Democratic Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is heading for a second four-year term, after running unopposed in the Nov. 4 mayoral election.
Wu, 40, became the first woman and person of color elected to lead the city in 2021. She focused much of her campaign this time on local issues, including improving housing affordability. Boston has become a target of Trump’s crackdown on Democratic cities. A local ABC station projected her win, and unofficial city results showed a major lead over write-ins.
The mayor sailed through the city's four-way Sept. 9 primary, trouncing her primary challenger, Josh Kraft, a fellow Democrat and the son of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. The football dynasty heir dropped out of the race a few days after the election, as he failed to garner enough votes to advance to the general election.
In recent months, Wu has snagged increased attention among voters as she has faced off with President Donald Trump and his scrutiny of the Massachusetts city. In March, Wu spoke at a congressional hearing and defended Boston’s sanctuary city policy.
Days before the primary, the Department of Justice sued Wu and the city for its law prohibiting law enforcement from assisting federal officials with civil immigration enforcement. The lawsuit follows similar cases this year against New York City, cities in New Jersey and Los Angeles.
Contributing: Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY.
Kathryn Palmer is a politics reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kapalmer@usatoday.com and on X @KathrynPlmr.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Democrat Michelle Wu will serve second term as Boston mayor
Reporting by Kathryn Palmer, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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