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Josh Kraft Suspends Boston Mayoral Bid After Lopsided Preliminary Loss

The nonprofit leader cited a desire to avoid a negative race following his 49-point preliminary loss.

Boston mayoral candidate Josh Kraft campaigns outside a polling place, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu carries her daughter Mira after voting at a polling place, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, in the Roslindale neighborhood of Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
"I Voted" stickers rest on a ballot box at a polling place, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, in the Roslindale neighborhood of Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu smiles after voting at a polling place, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, in the Roslindale neighborhood of Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Overview

  • Kraft told WCVB he would suspend his campaign following the preliminary landslide.
  • Wu took 72% to Kraft’s 23% and carried all 22 wards, leaving her with a commanding edge for November.
  • Kraft and allied groups spent heavily, with a Globe analysis estimating about $5.6 million and roughly $260 per vote versus about $17 per vote for Wu.
  • The campaign stumbled with unauthorized fundraising appeals using national Democrats’ names and late departures of two top advisers.
  • Under state law, Kraft has until Monday to request removal of his name from the November ballot.