Kraft‘s Campaign Suspension Paves Way for Wu’s Expected Second Term as Boston Mayor
BOSTON – Josh Kraft’s decision to suspend his campaign for boston mayor significantly increases teh likelihood of Mayor Michelle Wu securing a second term in the November election,though voters are hoping the remaining campaign period will focus on key local issues.
Kraft, son of New England patriots owner Robert Kraft, announced his decision during an exclusive interview with NewsCenter 5’s Maria Stephanos on Thursday, just days after a decisive loss in the September 9th preliminary election. The Boston Election Department confirmed Kraft’s formal withdrawal of his nomination on Friday.
Despite Kraft’s considerable investment – spending $8 million over eight months – he lost the preliminary election by 49%. Political analyst Virginia Buckingham noted Kraft became an easy target due to perceived connections to the Trump campaign and his father’s public profile, allowing Mayor Wu to effectively position him as a political opponent.
“He didn’t make a case for why we should get rid of Mayor Wu. I think she’s doing as good a job as can be expected,” said resident Jacob Beizer.
According to the Election Department, any candidate hoping to move from third place to the general election ballot would have needed to secure at least 3,000 votes in the preliminary election. Community activist Domingos DaRosa received 2,409 votes, falling short of this requirement.
Kraft intends to redirect $3 million of his campaign funds to organizations addressing the challenges in the Mass and Cass area.
Looking ahead to a potential second term for Wu, residents are voicing their priorities. In Charlestown, there are calls for improvements to local parks. ”The parks,especially the parks over there,really need some help,” Beizer stated.
Meanwhile, voters in Roslindale, Mayor Wu’s neighborhood, are advocating for increased housing advancement to address rising costs. Drew Love argued, “the more we build, the more these prices can come down or at least become more realistic and more affordable for working people.”
Political analyst mary Ann Marsh commented that Kraft’s decision to suspend his campaign allows him to conclude his bid on a more positive note, given the significant financial investment and substantial loss in the preliminary election.