US Senator Ed Markey is backing Councilwoman Michelle Wu in the race for Boston’s next mayor, citing her commitment to climate and equity.
With the backing of Markey, Wu now has the backing of the two US senators from Massachusetts. Markey, co-author of the national Green New Deal, pointed to Wu’s plan to address climate and environmental justice at the local level.
“Michelle Wu has championed the Green New Deal and made transformative action on climate change a central element of her commitment to the City of Boston,” Markey said in a statement. “Michelle Wu will make Boston a Green New Deal city and position us to lead the national climate action movement.”
Wu and fellow councilor Annissa Essaibi George won the preliminary mayoral elections last month, setting up a showdown for the November vote. The winner will be the first woman and the first person of color elected as mayor of Boston.
“Senator Ed Markey’s bold vision has inspired activists, youth and so many community members to lead, and it is an honor to have his support,” Wu said in a statement. “I am excited to continue organizing together, building together and fighting together for our brighter future.”
Wu has garnered key supporters in recent weeks, including from Acting Mayor Kim Janey and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. US Senator Elizabeth Warren endorsed Wu in January.
Meanwhile, his opponent, Essaibi-George, has the support of the law enforcement community, including former Boston Police Commissioner William Gross. The city councilman’s commitment to hire more police officers was a defining stance for Essaibi George in Boston’s preliminary mayoral elections.
In a race where candidates agree on most key issues, the issue has helped shape a progressive versus moderate narrative.
The couple met with Janey last month and agreed that a transfer of power will take place on November 16, just two weeks after the November 2 election.
Essaibi George and Wu will face off in an hour-long debate for Boston’s mayoral general election on Tuesday, October 19 at 7 p.m. The debate, hosted by NBC10 Boston, Telemundo Boston and NECN, in association with Dorchester Reporter and Bay State Banner, will take place inside a secure, enclosed studio at the NBCUniversal Boston Media Center.
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