By Cary Shuman
Philanthropist Josh Kraft has suspended his campaign for mayor of Boston.
Kraft announced his decision following the Sept. 9 preliminary election in which he finished a distant second to Mayor Michele Wu in the balloting. Though he had earned a spot in the Nov. 4 general election with his second place finish out of the four candidates in the field, Kraft revealed in an exclusive interview with WCVB news anchor Maria Stephanos that he was ending his campaign efforts.
Kraft entered the race with high expectations, having demonstrated his exceptional leadership of the Jordan Boys and Girls Club in Chelsea where he and his family generously donated and helped build a spectacular $11 million facility and later as the president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston. Kraft worked diligently to bring his campaign message to the voters across the city. In fact, he visited Eastie several times to speak directly with residents in the neighborhood and with business owners in the Maverick Square district.
At one point in the campaign, Kraft attended the In Boston Magazine Summer Issue Launch Party held at The Tall Ship in East Boston where he garnered a tremendous reception, with many guests requesting photographs with the first-time candidate who is the son of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and the late Myra Kraft.
But Wu, a popular incumbent mayor with an excellent record of accomplishment both as a councilor-at-large and in the corner office, offset Kraft’s strong challenge and recorded 72 per cent of the vote in the preliminary election.
In a letter to supporters, Kraft wrote,
“This campaign focused on ensuring that each and every resident of Boston had a seat at the table, and ensuring that they had a say in the kind of city we all live in and love.
“I’m proud we brought out the issues that matter most to voters and gave voice to those too often left out.
“We challenged the status quo. We made a difference. We elevated these issues from concerns shared amongst neighbors to serious policy discussions about the future of our city. We listened.
“Over the last couple of days, I’ve continued to listen – to my supporters, my friends, my family, and to the people of Boston – the voters who made their voices heard on Tuesday night (Sept. 9).
“I have determined that what is right for this city—during a time in America where we need to come closer together despite all our differences, instead of igniting divisiveness that pulls us further apart—is not to get caught up in more political mudslinging but rather, to drive the conversation forward in a meaningful way.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to suspend my candidacy for mayor of Boston.”
Kraft announced that he will dedicate the resources he had committed to his campaign and additional funds toward tackling the humanitarian crisis at Mass & Cass—partnering with organizations like The Phoenix and the Gavin Foundation.
“In addition, I have spoken with several stakeholders and intend to revitalize a program that I have long supported, Operation Exit, that provides workforce development training and opportunities for our previously incarcerated community members. I look forward to sharing specific details in the coming weeks. We will do this work in phases, and work towards setting up a recovery campus.”
Kraft further stated, “I have done this kind of work before. My entire career has been centered around bringing people together. I am committed to working together with partners at the state and the city level, as well as with law enforcement to coalesce around a strategy that will deliver real solutions now.
“I am proud to launch this effort with $3 million. Public service is a part of who I am, and I will never stop pushing for solutions that make this city safer, fairer, and stronger.”
(Mr. Kraft’s personal letter to supporters was used in the compilation of this story).