Boston comes alive with political activity as candidates gear up for the upcoming mayoral race.
In a significant move in Boston’s mayoral race, billionaire Jim Davis has donated $1 million to support candidate Josh Kraft. The donation intensifies the competition as Kraft prepares to challenge incumbent Michelle Wu in the upcoming elections. With strong backing from various business leaders, Kraft’s campaign is gaining momentum, but faces hurdles with current polling showing Wu in the lead. As the election approaches, issues like housing affordability remain crucial for voters.
Boston is buzzing with excitement and anticipation as the race for the mayoral seat heats up. With just a few months until the primary election, Jim Davis, the powerhouse chairman of New Balance and a billionaire in his own right, has made headlines with his generous donation of $1 million to a super PAC backing Josh Kraft, a rising candidate in the Boston mayoral race. This latest move has added an extra layer of intrigue and competition, particularly as Kraft gears up to challenge incumbent Michelle Wu.
Davis’s hefty donation was disclosed in a state campaign finance report and was picked up by various news outlets, signaling his serious commitment to Kraft’s campaign. This isn’t Davis’s first dance with Boston politics. He backed efforts against Wu in the 2021 mayoral race, showcasing his interest in a different direction for the city. Davis is known for his strong ties to the Republican Party, and that connection raises eyebrows in a city that often leans Democratic.
Kraft’s campaign has attracted significant financial support from several high-powered business figures, including John Calnan, a big name in the construction industry, who chipped in $150,000, and Robert Hale, CEO of a telecommunications firm, donating another $100,000. It’s clear that Kraft, the son of billionaire Patriots owner Robert Kraft, is not alone in his ambitions. This super PAC’s financial firepower indicates a growing coalition supporting Kraft’s vision for the city.
The upcoming election is set for November 2025, following a preliminary election on September 9, 2025. As of now, current polling shows Wu leading with 43% of the voter support compared to Kraft’s 29%, with about a quarter of voters still undecided. These numbers tell a story of potential challenges ahead for Kraft as he embarks on a high-stakes campaign.
One issue that is top of mind for Boston residents is housing affordability. As rent prices continue to climb and many local families struggle to find homes that fit their budgets, Kraft has put forth a plan called the “Housing Access & Affordability Plan.” He aims to tackle these pressing issues directly, while Wu is facing criticism over her management of certain city problems, including the city’s public health crisis that has garnered media attention.
Kraft’s team has made impressive strides since launching the campaign, raising over $196,000 in a short period. This figure includes contributions from prominent figures, such as Dean Spanos, the owner of the Los Angeles Chargers, and local car dealer Herb Chambers. However, as of the end of March 2025, Wu’s campaign boasts nearly $2 million in cash reserves, offering her a significant advantage as the campaigns approach the homestretch.
Interestingly, while Kraft has Boston roots through his family’s prominence, he has spent much of his life living outside the city. He only recently moved to Boston’s North End, purchasing a condo for a cool $2 million in October 2023. This move might help him connect more with local voters, but he still needs to convince them he’s the right person for the job.
As both candidates ramp up their campaigns, they will face criticism and scrutiny over their proposed policies and connections. Kraft is eager to capitalize on what many perceive as a growing dissatisfaction with Wu’s leadership. With dynamic debates and community discussions looming on the horizon, the stage is set for an engaging election season in Boston as residents weigh their options for the future of their city.
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