Josh Kraft Suspends Boston Mayoral Bid After Preliminary Setback

BOSTON (September 11, 2025) - Josh Kraft, son of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, announced Thursday that he is withdrawing from the Boston mayoral race just days after advancing to the November ballot, citing a lopsided preliminary defeat and a desire to refocus on community issues rather than “political mudslinging.”

The former nonprofit executive had spent millions of his own funds on the campaign but trailed incumbent Michelle Wu by nearly 50 points in Tuesday’s preliminary election. His exit clears the way for Wu’s virtually uncontested run for a second term and underscores the challenges of mounting a credible challenge against a popular incumbent.

Campaign Suspension

• Kraft revealed his decision in an interview with WCVB-TV, describing the choice as one to promote unity over divisiveness in a polarized political climate.
• He emphasized returning to “issues that affect Bostonians every single day,” pledging to redirect $3 million previously earmarked for his campaign toward workforce training, homelessness, and substance-abuse initiatives.

Reactions and Implications

• Mayor Michelle Wu praised Kraft for his commitment to the city and affirmed her intent to continue engaging voters on critical policy matters.
• Under Massachusetts law, Kraft’s withdrawal within six days of the preliminary could allow the third-place finisher, Domingos DaRosa, to assume the general-election spot if he chooses to run.

Next Steps for Kraft

• Kraft plans to intensify his philanthropic work, particularly in areas of criminal-justice reform and community development, drawing on his leadership at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and the Patriots Foundation.

• He acknowledged the personal toll of the campaign and expressed gratitude to volunteers and advisors who supported his brief mayoral bid.

• Sources: The Associated Press