Who’s Running for Mayor?
The low rumble you hear off in the distance isn’t thunder, it’s the stampede of Boston politicos jockeying for a mayoral run. With Tom Menino officially out of the next election, the thought of replacing him has many of Boston’s biggest political players lining up for a shot at the big chair. So far, it’s all talk—Candidates can’t apply for nomination papers until April 17, and have until May 21 to file the official paperwork.
But it’s hard to blame anyone for jumping early. The Boston mayorship has rarely changed hands in recent decades. Three men—Menino, Ray Flynn and Kevin White—have run the city for the last 45 years. By comparison, there have been five popes in the same time period. A non-incumbent election is a very rare opportunity.
We’ve compiled the latest on the potential candidates to keep you abreast of the latest on who’s in, who’s out who’s playing coy when it comes to the upcoming mayoral election. Here’s how the field stands as of 11 a.m. Friday, April 5.
Did we miss anyone? Is there anyone left to miss? Tell us in the comments with a link to their latest statement or quote and we’ll add it to the chart!
Who’s in (meaning they have announced they will run)
John Connolly, city councilor
Dan Conley, Suffolk County district attorney
Marty Walsh, state representative
William Dorcena, community activist
Charles Clemmons, TOUCH 106.1 FM co-founder
Rob Consalvo, city councilor
Who’s openly discussing a run
Felix Arroyo, city councilor
Mike Ross, city councilor
Who’s undecided/Not saying anything just yet
Ayanna Pressley, city councilor
Stephen Murphy, city council president
Charles Yancey, city councilor
Maura Hennigan, Suffolk County criminal court clerk
Jeffrey Sanchez, state representative
Who’s out (meaning they have publicly said they will not run for mayor)
Tito Jackson, city councilor
Sonia Chang-Diaz, state senator
Matt O’Malley, city councilor
Bill Linehan, city councilor
Russell Holmes, state representative
Paul Grogan, Boston Foundation president
Andrea Cabral, Massachusetts Public Safety Secretary
James Rooney, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority executive director