Josh Kraft, son of a billionaire Patriots owner, announced Thursday that he is ending his bid for Boston’s mayoral seat. His decision comes months before the November election, which was set to see him challenge incumbent Michelle Wu.
Josh Kraft, son of billionaire Patriots owner, drops out of Boston mayor’s race against Michelle Wu

Key Takeaways:
- Josh Kraft, son of a billionaire Patriots owner, has withdrawn from the Boston mayoral race.
- He was initially set to face incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu in November.
- The timing of his withdrawal was announced on a Thursday.
- The election is scheduled for November of this year.
- Michelle Wu remains the incumbent in the upcoming election.
The Decision to Withdraw
Josh Kraft, who gained statewide attention as the son of a billionaire Patriots owner, announced Thursday that he will no longer pursue the mayoralty of Boston. This move happened unexpectedly, cutting short what was shaping up to be a noteworthy campaign.
The Race and the Incumbent
Kraft had planned to face Michelle Wu, the incumbent mayor, in the November election. Wu, who is already well-known in Boston’s political landscape, appeared ready to defend her position, setting up what could have been a competitive matchup.
Looking Ahead to November
The timing of Kraft’s announcement leaves fewer major challengers on the November ballot. Although the details surrounding his departure remain brief, the decision narrows the field of contenders for the mayoralty in one of the country’s historic cities.
Implications for Boston’s Political Scene
Boston’s mayoral elections traditionally stir local and regional interest. Kraft’s withdrawal removes a high-profile challenger, allowing incumbent Michelle Wu to continue her campaign with less contest. As the city sets its sights on November, voters will watch to see how the campaign unfolds in Kraft’s absence.