Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has endorsed labor attorney Benjamin Weber for the District 6 City Council race, reports an article from Boston Globe.
To endorsing Weber, who is running against IT director William King, is for Wu a departure from her circle of familiar faces. It's an indication that the mayor is willing to change her approach to strengthen her influence within the city council.
The District 6 contest saw Weber and King edge out incumbent Councilor Kendra Lara, faced with a June 30 car crash and low constituent support. Preliminary election results had Weber leading with 42 percent of votes, followed by King with 37 percent, and Lara trailing with 20 percent.
However, as explained by Politico, Wu's endorsement of Weber may generate friction among progressive factions now aiming to find candidates to challenge the mayor's policies following Lara's loss.
Despite this, Weber and Wu maintain a strong progressive alliance. Weber confirmed this in a statement, saying, "We share the same progressive ideals and, if elected, I look forward to working with the Mayor to make the City a healthier, more equitable place to live for all Bostonians."
Wu's earlier endorsements for the council races include Sharon Durkan in District 8, Enrique José Pepén in District 5, and Henry Santana vying for one of the at-large seats. All have previously served under Wu and promise to back her policies if elected. To endorsing Weber, an outsider to her circle, shows Wu stepping into unfamiliar territory to forge more robust political ties.
