Josh Kraft Ends Boston Mayoral Campaign, Concedes to Michelle Wu
Josh Kraft, son of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, has ended his campaign for Boston Mayor, effectively conceding the race to incumbent Michelle Wu. Kraft announced his decision citing the negativity he anticipated in the coming weeks and a desire to focus on addressing pressing issues such as homelessness and addiction.
Kraft's Decision and Future Plans
After consulting with family and his campaign team, Kraft informed WCVB of his decision to suspend his campaign. He plans to redirect resources, including $3 million of his campaign funds and additional funds, towards combating homelessness and addiction at Mass. and Cass. He intends to collaborate with organizations like The Phoenix and the Gavin Foundation and revitalize the Operation Exit program.
"We could spend the next eight weeks politicking — with harmful rhetoric or nasty attack ads. Or we could get back to what really matters." - Josh Kraft
Campaign Performance and Challenges
Despite entering the race with significant financial backing and initial enthusiasm, Kraft struggled to gain traction with Boston voters. His campaign faced repeated shakeups, fundraising controversies, and a decline in favorability ratings. In the preliminary election, Kraft received only 23% of the vote compared to Wu's 72%.
Wu's Perspective and Continued Focus
Mayor Michelle Wu acknowledged Kraft's decision and stated that her administration will continue to engage with community members on critical issues. Wu told the Globe she will focus on "critical, critical work in front of us and how we keep making Boston a safe, welcoming home for everyone."
Campaign Spending Analysis
A comparison of campaign spending reveals a significant disparity between Kraft and Wu. For each vote he received in the preliminary election, Kraft's campaign spent approximately $262, while Wu's campaign spent about $16.85 per vote.
| Candidate | Total Spending (Through Early September) | Votes Received | Cost Per Vote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michelle Wu | $1.12 million | 66,398 | $16.85 |
| Josh Kraft | $5.6 million | 21,324 | $262 |
Wu's Stance Against Trump Administration
Mayor Michelle Wu has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration, particularly regarding immigration policies. The Department of Justice recently filed a lawsuit against Wu and the city of Boston over its "sanctuary policies." Wu has accused Trump of attacking cities to divert attention from his administration's failures. The Trump administration’s attacks likely strengthened Wu's support base in Boston.
Key Issues Highlighted by Wu
Throughout her campaign, Wu has emphasized her administration's successes in addressing housing affordability, combating climate change, and reducing crime. She has received endorsements from numerous Democratic leaders and has highlighted her efforts to make Boston a more inclusive and equitable city.