Mayor Michelle Wu has secured a vital endorsement from the city’s largest police union.
The Boston Police Patrolman’s Association will endorse her reelection bid on Thursday morning, when it will be officially announced.
The endorsement comes after the BPPA ratified a new five-year contract with the city that includes annual base wage increases for officers of 2%, 1.5%, 2%, 1% and 2.5%. The City Council approved that pact 12-0 in December.
Wu is already locked in a race with Josh Kraft, who announced earlier this month he’s running for mayor. He has been active on the scene around the city and recently joined protesters of the $200 million White Stadium project and called for work to be halted while legal action is pending.
Jorge Mendoza-Iturralde, a North End restaurateur clashing with Boston City Hall over outdoor dining restrictions, said last year he plans to run for mayor. The Herald has learned he’s still mulling that possibility. Other likely candidates have also hit the brakes as Wu and Kraft, the son of Patriots owner Bob Kraft, square off.
The mayoral election is set for Nov. 4. Early voting starts in late October.
If Wu and Kraft remain the only two candidates, a Sept. 9 preliminary election will not be required.
The city Elections Division states the close of day on May 20 is the “last hour and day” to file nomination papers to run for municipal office, including mayor of Boston.
The backing by the officer’s union comes as Wu faces heat from Congress and the Trump administration — especially border czar Tom Homan — for Boston’s sanctuary-like “Trust Act.” Wu will appear before Congress March 5, along with the mayors of Chicago, Denver, and New York City, to face questions on sanctuary city policies and their impact on public safety.
Since being called to Congress, Wu has stressed her view that Boston is a “safest city” in America, based on crime statistics.
Originally Published: