Simply what’s the ever formidable Michelle Wu as much as?
It’s a query some Democrats each inside and out of doors of Boston are asking as of late as Wu cruises to a second mayoral time period with no opposition. She crushed opponent Josh Kraft within the September preliminary, driving him out of the race and giving her loads of sudden clout and free time.
Wu has proven some indicators of making an attempt to meddle within the Metropolis Council at-large race so her allies prevail and enemies lose, however she is likely to be on to greater plans than that.
Hypothesis is swirling about whether or not Wu has an curiosity in operating for the U.S. Senate seat now occupied by 79-year-old Democrat Ed Markey, who already has a major challenger.
It could appear unlikely that Wu would transfer on to a different marketing campaign so shortly after being re-elected to a different four-year time period as mayor, however there might be a gap for her or one other Democrat within the quickly growing Senate race.
The Democratic area is at the moment two white male members of Congress – Markey and Rep. Seth Moulton – not precisely a various selection for voters. Moulton is making Markey’s age the primary concern of his marketing campaign, however they’ve nearly similar positions on the problems.
However a liberal lady of shade like Wu from the most important metropolis within the state would immediately scramble the sphere and leap to the entrance of the pack.
Wu over the previous couple of months has emerged as a fighter for Boston’s sanctuary insurance policies towards President Donald Trump, which additionally offers her instantaneous credibility with liberal voters. Her memorable faceoff towards Republicans in Congress over immigration offers her a leg up over her rivals within the race to be Trump’s public enemy primary.
Wu these days has been centered on the Boston Metropolis Council at-large race, the place she is making an attempt to buttress considered one of her supporters, Henry Santana, to make sure he wins one other time period. Santana completed a weak fourth within the preliminary.
Wu is also backing candidate Alexandra Valdez, her director of cultural affairs, who completed sixth within the preliminary election and faces an uphill battle at profitable one of many 4 seats up for grabs.
The mayor would like to see considered one of her foes, at-large incumbent Erin Murphy, lose her seat however that could be a tricky ask. Murphy, a favourite amongst reasonable and conservative voters, completed third within the preliminary. Wu is also opposing at-large candidate Frank Baker, a former councilor who completed fifth in September and has been one of many mayor’s most vocal critics.
Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, the highest vote-getter in September, is a shoo-in to win one other time period however she has to surrender her presidency subsequent yr due to time period limits.
Louijeune could be one of many high contenders if Wu leaves and a particular election is held. However she wouldn’t have the additional benefit of being performing mayor. Dangerous timing.
The competition for president has added significance as a result of whoever holds that seat turns into performing mayor ought to Wu resolve to depart or will get elected to a different workplace like U.S. Senate.
If Wu decides to remain and serve her full, four-year second time period she would need considered one of her liberal allies within the president’s seat.
