In a mayoral race, sometimes an early favorite can dissuade other would-be contenders from starting a campaign. The 2013 Boston mayoral election is not one of those races.
Instead, the race has drawn several more contenders this week, and more still are mulling a run. The crowded field has led to what the Boston Herald’s Peter Gelzinis called “a shootout in a lifeboat,” with each candidate working feverishly to solidify his support in his own backyard. The swollen field will be reduced to two after the primary, and every new candidate lowers the total vote threshold needed to make the finals.
This past week, city councilors Mike Ross and Felix Arroyo joined the race, along with long-time Dorchester community activist Bill Walczak. That’s three more guys into an already all-male field.
What of the female candidates? Ayanna Pressley is now considering a run, as is YouthBild USA’s Charlotte Golar Richie. Maura Hennigan, who ran for mayor in 2005, decided this week to bow out of the race. Public Safety Secretary Andrea Cabral and State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz previously announced they would not run.
Below is the list of candidates would-be candidates, undecided and notable “No’s” as of Sunday, April 13.
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
Felix Arroyo, city councilor
Mike Ross, city councilor
Bill Walczak, Codman Square Health Center co-founder
Who’s seriously considering a run
Ayanna Pressley, city councilor
Charles Yancey, city councilor
John Barrios, Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative executive director
Charlotte Golar Richie, YouthBuild USA vice president for public policy
Who’s undecided
Stephen Murphy, city council president
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
Maura Hennigan, Suffolk County criminal court clerk