Simply what’s the ever bold Michelle Wu as much as?
It’s a query some Democrats each inside and outdoors of Boston are asking nowadays 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 variety of sudden clout and free time.
Wu has proven some indicators of attempting to meddle within the Metropolis Council at-large race so her allies prevail and enemies lose, however she could be on to larger 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 major challenger.
It will appear unlikely that Wu would transfer on to a different marketing campaign so rapidly 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 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 problem of his marketing campaign, however they’ve virtually an identical positions on the problems.
However a liberal girl of colour like Wu from the largest metropolis within the state would immediately scramble the sector and leap to the entrance of the pack.
Wu over the previous few months has emerged as a fighter for Boston’s sanctuary insurance policies in opposition to President Donald Trump, which additionally offers her immediate credibility with liberal voters. Her memorable faceoff in opposition to Republicans in Congress over immigration offers her a leg up over her rivals within the race to be Trump’s public enemy primary.
Wu currently has been centered on the Boston Metropolis Council at-large race, the place she is attempting to buttress one among 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 among 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 can be one of many prime contenders if Wu leaves and a particular election is held. However she wouldn’t have the additional advantage of being appearing mayor. Dangerous 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 go away 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 among her liberal allies within the president’s seat.
