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 lately 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 a whole lot 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 perhaps on to greater plans than that.
Hypothesis is swirling about whether or not Wu has an curiosity in working for the U.S. Senate seat now occupied by 79-year-old Democrat Ed Markey, who already has a main challenger.
It might 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 could possibly be a gap for her or one other Democrat within the quickly creating Senate race.
The Democratic subject is at present 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 challenge of his marketing campaign, however they’ve nearly equivalent positions on the problems.
However a liberal lady of coloration 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 in opposition to President Donald Trump, which additionally provides her prompt credibility with liberal voters. Her memorable faceoff in opposition to Republicans in Congress over immigration provides 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 one in all 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 successful one of many 4 seats up for grabs.
The mayor would like to see one in all 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 12 months due to time period limits.
Louijeune can be one of many prime contenders if Wu leaves and a particular election is held. However she wouldn’t have the additional benefit of being appearing mayor. Unhealthy timing.
The competition for president has added significance as a result of whoever holds that seat turns into appearing mayor ought to Wu determine 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 one in all her liberal allies within the president’s seat.
