2013 Boston mayoral election

Background

Incumbent mayor Thomas Menino had held office ever since ascending to the mayoralty following the resignation of Raymond Flynn in 1993. In 2013, Menino opted against seeking what would have been his sixth elected term as mayor. He announced his decision not to seek reelection on March 27, 2013.

Without an incumbent seeking reelection, this made the 2013 election the first open election since 1984, thirty years earlier.

Candidates

Candidates who advanced to general election

Candidates eliminated in the primary

Withdrew/disqualified

• Frank John Addivinola, Jr., candidate for state senate in 2010 and U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 (ran for councilor-at-large)
• Lee Buckley
• Robert Cappucci, former Boston School Committee member and retired Boston Police officer (failed to get enough signatures)
• Miniard Culpepper, reverend
• Will Dorcena, activist and at-large candidate for city council in 2011, brother of State Senator Linda Dorcena Forry (failed to get enough signatures)
• Althea Garrison, former state representative (ran for councilor-at-large)
• John Laing, businessman (failed to get enough signatures)
• Divo Rodrigues Monteiro, educator and poet (ran for city council in District 4)
• Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports (failed to get enough signatures)
• Gareth R. Saunders, former city councilor (ran for councilor-at-large)
• Hassan A. Williams, candidate for state senate in 2010
• Christopher G. Womack

Declined

• Andrea Cabral, Massachusetts Secretary of Public Safety and Security and former Suffolk County sheriff
• Sonia Chang-Díaz, state senator
• Richard A. Davey, Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation
• John Fish, CEO of Suffolk Construction Company
• Michael F. Flaherty, former city councillor (ran for city council at-large)
• Paul Grogan, president of The Boston Foundation
• Maura Hennigan, Suffolk County criminal courts clerk
• Russell Holmes, state representative
• Tito Jackson, city councillor (ran for reelection)
• Bill Linehan, city councillor (ran for reelection)
• Stephen Lynch, U.S. representative
• Ralph Martin, former Suffolk County district attorney
• Thomas Menino, incumbent mayor of Boston
• Stephen J. Murphy, president of the Boston City Council (ran for reelection)
• Matt O'Malley, city councillor (ran for reelection)
• Ayanna Pressley, city councillor (ran for reelection)
• James Rooney, executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
• Marie St. Fleur, former state representative
• John M. Tobin, Jr., former city councillor

Primary

Campaign

Incumbent mayor Tom Menino had served since being elected to the position in 1993, making him the longest-serving mayor in Boston's history. The first candidate to announce a campaign for mayor was at-Large Boston City Councillor John R. Connolly in February 2013, who announced an intent to base his campaign on reforming public education and opposing the influence of the Boston Teachers Union. Connolly's campaign was considered to have little chance of succeeding if Menino decided to run for re-election, as the incumbent was highly popular in the city.

Soon after Menino's announcement, a field of candidates began to amass. On April 3, Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley became the second candidate to join the field (after Connolly). The next day, district city councillor Rob Consalvo (a resident of the Hyde Park neighborhood) announced his candidacy. On April 7, activist Bill Walczak (a resident of the Dorchester neighborhood) entered the field. On April 10, state representative Marty Walsh and at-large city councillor Felix G. Arroyo both announced their candidacies.Multiple sources:

• Several other candidates, including City Councillors Michael P. Ross and Charles Yancey, former state representative Charlotte Golar Richie, and Boston School Committee member John Barros announced campaigns over the following weeks. In total, twelve candidates made the ballot for the preliminary election.

Connolly’s status as the only mayoral candidate to have announced a campaign before Menino declared that he would not run for re-election gave him an advantage in that it had given him more time to build a campaign apparatus and political platform.

Upon his entry into the race Walsh had demonstrated organizational strength by gathering the required signatures to get on the ballot in a single day, which impressed political insiders and showcased the influence of the labor unions who were supporting his candidacy. The advantages enjoyed by the two men led to them being considered the frontrunners for the two spots in the general election in the campaign's early stages.

By mid-September, it was suggested by radio station WBUR-FM that a clear top tier of candidates had arisen in the race, consisting of Connolly, Walsh, Golar Richie, Arroyo and Conley. Golar Richie's campaign was viewed as having gained significant momentum by this stage on the race, helped by her status as the most prominent black and only female candidate in the race.

Debates

Endorsements

State officials

• Byron Rushing, state representative

Labor unions

• Boston Teachers Union (co-endorsement with Consalvo) State officials
• Carlos Henriquez, state representative

Newspapers and publications

• The Boston Globe (co-endorsement with Connolly)

Individuals

• Danny Glover, actor
• Kim Janey, community leader State officials
• Carlo Basile, state representative (switched endorsement to Connolly)

Newspapers and publications

• Boston Herald (co-endorsement with Connolly) State officials
• Carlo Basile, state representative (switched endorsement from Conley)
• Nick Collins, state representative
• Edward F. Coppinger, state representative
• Jay Livingstone, state representative

Local officials

• Matt O'Malley, Boston city councillor

Organizations

• Democrats for Education Reform

Newspapers and publications

• The Boston Globe (co-endorsement with Barros)
• Boston Herald (co-endorsement with Conley) State officials
• Kevin Honan, state representative
• Anthony Petruccelli, state senator
• Angelo Scaccia, state representative

Labor unions

• Boston Teachers Union (co-endorsement with Arroyo) Federal officials
• Barbara Lee, U.S. representative from CA-13

State officials

• Sonia Chang-Díaz, state senator
• Gloria Fox, state representative
• Russell Holmes, state representative
• Aaron Michlewitz, state representative
• Michael Moran, state representative

Individuals

• Louis Gossett Jr., actor
• Gloria Steinem, journalist and activist

Organizations

• EMILY's List Newspapers and publications
• Bay Windows State officials
• Liz Malia, state representative
• Eugene O'Flaherty, state representative

Labor unions

• International Association of Fire Fighters Local 718
• International Brotherhood of Teamsters
• International Union of Painters and Allied Trades
• United Association
• United Steelworkers

Polling

Graphical summary

Results

General election

Campaign

Both Connolly and Walsh were regarded as liberal Democrats, with Connolly being perceived as being focused on education and Walsh having the reputation of being the candidate of organised labor. However, Walsh's campaign was boosted by large spending by labor unions, who were dissatisfied with Connolly due to his staunch support for charter schools. Walsh responded to this criticism by arguing that his ties to labor would make him more effective at negotiating contracts and preventing strikes.

The relative lack of policy differences between the candidates led to the election largely coming down to a contest between biographies and personalities. Walsh supporters derided Connolly as a "corporate lawyer" while Connolly supporters characterised Walsh as a puppet of organized labor.

Debates

Endorsements

Endorsements in bold endorsed after the primary. State officials

• Carlo Basile, state representative
• Nick Collins, state representative
• Edward F. Coppinger, state representative
• Sal DiDomenico, state representative
• Jay Livingstone, state representative
• Aaron Michlewitz, state representative

Local officials

• Mark Ciommo, Boston city councillor
• Salvatore LaMattina, Boston city councillor
• Matt O'Malley, Boston city councillor

Individuals

• Ernie Boch Jr., business executive (Republican)
• Jim Rappaport, former Chair of the Massachusetts Republican Party (Republican)

Organizations

• Democrats for Education Reform

Newspapers and publications

• BostInno
• The Boston Globe
• Boston Herald
• The Daily Free Press Federal officials
• Mike Capuano, U.S. representative from MA-07

State officials

• Linda Dorcena Forry, former state representative
• Mel King, former state representative; candidate for mayor in 1983
• Liz Malia, state representative
• Therese Murray, state senator and president of the Massachusetts Senate
• Eugene O'Flaherty, state representative
• Anthony Petruccelli, state senator
• Charlotte Golar Richie, former state representative; former candidate for mayor
• Marie St. Fleur, former state representative

Local officials

• Felix D. Arroyo, former Boston city councillor
• Felix G. Arroyo, Boston city councillor; former candidate for mayor
• John Barros, former Boston School Committee member; former candidate for mayor
• Tito Jackson, Boston city councillor

Labor unions

• International Association of Fire Fighters Local 718
• International Brotherhood of Teamsters
• International Union of Painters and Allied Trades
• Service Employees International Union Local 888
• United Association
• United Steelworkers

Polling

Graphical summary

• ^ Internal poll for John Connolly campaign

;With Conley

;With Consalvo

;With Golar Richie

Results

Walsh defeated Connolly by a narrow margin of 3.5%, with Connolly conceding and stating he believed Walsh would be a successful mayor. There were a total of 560 write-in votes, the largest recipient of these being baseball player David Ortiz.

Notes

References

References

1. (2011). "Data".
2. Ryan, Andrew. (January 7, 2014). "With theme of unity, Walsh takes helm as mayor of Boston". [[The Boston Globe]].
3. Dumcius, Gintautas. (27 March 2013). "Mayor Menino will not seek re-election".
4. (5 November 2013). "John Connolly, Marty Walsh cite similarities, differences with outgoing Boston Mayor Thomas Menino".
5. (October 3, 2016). "Unofficial election results".
6. (26 February 2013). "Boston City Councilor John Connolly announces run against Mayor Thomas M. Menino".
7. (24 May 2013). "Walsh launches run for mayor of Boston".
8. (15 June 2013). "Felix Arroyo officially announces run for mayor".
9. (25 April 2013). "John Barros to announce a bid for mayor of Boston".
10. (23 April 2013). "John F. Barros resigns from Boston School Committee in another step toward run for mayor".
11. (22 August 2011). "TOUCH 106.1 co-founder says he's running for mayor in 2013".
12. (3 April 2013). "Daniel Conley jumps into Boston mayoral contest".
13. (6 April 2013). "City Councilor Rob Consalvo Running for Boston Mayor".
14. (1 May 2013). "Charlotte Golar Richie, former aide to Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Governor Deval Patrick, announced mayoral bid".
15. (11 April 2013). "City Councilor Michael P. Ross announces bid for mayor of Boston".
16. (1 July 2013). "City Councilor Charles Yancey joins race to become Boston's next mayor".
17. Lyle, Caroline. (June 14, 2013). "Meet the 12 Confirmed Candidates for Boston's 2013 Mayoral Election". BostInno.
18. Andrew Ryan. (May 25, 2013). "Will Dorcena will not make ballot". The Boston Globe.
19. (April 12, 2011). "Hyde Park's Dorcena Launching At-Large Run".
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21. (June 14, 2013). "Boston to face crowded ballot". The Boston Globe.
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23. (April 1, 2013). "Gomez will hit campaign trail while on his Marathon run".
24. (April 3, 2013). "State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz says it's not the right time to run for mayor of Boston".
25. (April 2, 2013). "Rep. Martin Walsh says he's running for mayor of Boston".
26. (March 29, 2013). "Politics as Unusual: Boston shouldn't hook big Fish for mayor".
27. (April 3, 2013). "Mayoral race could reshape Boston City Council Menino-less mayor's race could create wide open fight for at-large council seats".
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29. (April 10, 2013). "Hennigan won't join mayoral race".
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32. (March 28, 2013). "Boston Pols Expect Competitive Race For Mayor's Seat".
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35. (March 27, 2013). "Boston Mayor Tom Menino Will Not Seek Re-Election".
36. (March 28, 2013). "Potential Menino successors lining up for mayoralty".
37. (April 4, 2013). "NU's Tobin rules out mayoral run".
38. (March 28, 2013). "After 20 Years, Mayor Menino Is 'Leaving the Job That He Loves'".
39. (February 26, 2013). "Boston City Councillor John Connolly announces run against long-time mayor Thomas Menino".
40. (March 28, 2013). "Tom Menino steps down after two decades as Boston mayor".
41. (April 3, 2013). "District Attorney Dan Conley Announces Bid For Mayor".
42. (April 4, 2013). "Boston Councilor Consalvo Enters Mayoral Race".
43. (April 7, 2021). "Dorchester Community activist becomes seventh declares Boston mayoral candidate".
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47. (September 19, 2013). "WBUR Poll Suggests A Top Tier Taking Shape In Mayoral Field".
48. (August 7, 2013). "Three Boston mayoral candidates kick off first of three debates". The Washington Post.
49. (September 10, 2013). "12 Mayoral Candidates Struggle To Be Heard In 90-Minute Debate".
50. (September 17, 2013). "SED Hosts Boston Mayoral Debate for Fall Convocation 2013".
51. (September 17, 2013). "The Globe Kicks Charlotte Golar Richie When She's Down".
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53. (September 5, 2013). "Activist actor plays role for John Barros campaign".
54. (September 8, 2013). "In a More Diverse City, a More Diverse Slate of Mayoral Candidates".
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56. (April 4, 2013). "West Roxbury officials endorse Connolly for Boston mayor".
57. (July 19, 2013). "Consalvo to education reform group: Get out of mayor's race".
58. (May 16, 2013). "Charlotte Golar Richie campaign lines up support from broad base".
59. (September 12, 2013). "Memo: Charlotte Golar Richie, the best choice for Boston women and families".
60. (September 19, 2013). "Chang-Diaz and Holmes back Golar Richie in mayor's race".
61. (May 17, 2013). "North End's Aaron Michlewitz To Endorse Charlotte Golar Richie In Race For Mayor".
62. (September 19, 2013). "Charlotte Golar Richie stumbles in race for Boston Mayor".
63. (June 2013). "EMILY's List endorses Charlotte Golar Richie for Mayor of Boston".
64. (September 23, 2013). "Candidates in Boston Struggle to Stand Out on Eve of Mayoral Vote". The New York Times.
65. (August 2, 2013). "USW Endorses State Rep. Martin J. Walsh for Boston Mayor".
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68. (November 6, 2013). "John Connolly was outspent and out-organised".
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70. (September 12, 2013). "No letting up".
71. (October 15, 2013). "Connolly, Walsh show much in common in first debate".
72. (October 23, 2021). "Boston Mayoral Candidates Connolly, Walsh Try To Differentiate In Next Debate".
73. (October 23, 2021). "John Connolly and Martin Walsh spar over unions, schools".
74. (March 24, 2019). "John Connolly picks up 3 endorsements from Boston elected officials".
75. (October 9, 2013). "North End Rep. Aaron Michlewitz And City Councilor Sal LaMattina Endorse John Connolly For Mayor".
76. (October 1, 2021). "Mayoral candidates contend for key endorsements".
77. (October 25, 2013). "For Republicans, Connolly is the Democrat of choice".
78. (November 1, 2013). "BostInno is Proud to Endorse John Connolly for Mayor".
79. Daily Free Press Admin. (November 4, 2013). "EDIT: The FreeP endorses John Connolly".
80. (October 21, 2013). "Endorsements Take Center Stage In Boston Mayor's Race".
81. (November 6, 2013). "Battle for endorsements was fierce".
82. (March 25, 2021). "The 2013 Election: Marking Marty Walsh's taking of the Mayor's Chair".
83. (October 8, 2013). "Walsh wins coveted backing of Arroyo, Barros".
84. (October 30, 2013). "Blacks, Latinos split support between John Connolly, Marty Walsh in Boston mayor's race".
85. (August 11, 2013). "State Representative Martin Walsh draws money and muscle from unions".
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87. (November 6, 2013). "Martin Walsh narrowly defeats John Connolly in Boston mayoral race".
88. (November 8, 2013). "'Big Papi' third in Boston mayor race".