Michelle Wu Holds 30-Point Lead Over Josh Kraft in New Poll
A new Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll shows Mayor Michelle Wu with a significant double-digit lead over challenger Josh Kraft.
The poll, released Monday, indicated the incumbent mayor leading Kraft, the son of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, by 30 points with less than two months until the preliminary election.
Five hundred respondents who identified as very or somewhat likely to vote in the September 9 election participated. Wu received 60% support, while Kraft garnered 30%. The poll also reported that Wu has a 66% favorable rating and a 28% unfavorable rating.
“People see her as a credible manager. They see her as someone who is more like them,” said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center.
Paleologos added that it remains too early to determine the outcome of the election.
“If the polls are right, [the preliminary election] won’t matter, the top two candidates will advance to November, but there’s always a chance that one of the bottom two candidates pull off a miracle,” he said.
Kraft’s campaign addressed the poll results in a statement released Monday, saying his team is confident his numbers will improve as residents learn more about his ideas and background.
"Josh didn't get into the Mayor's race because of what polling says, and nothing has changed his focus on continuing to show up in Boston neighborhoods, talk to residents, and listen to the concerns of many people who are disappointed with this Mayor and the direction the city is going," the campaign said.
According to the poll, Kraft led Wu in two categories: among households with a member working in public safety (52%–38%) and among self-described conservatives (64%–28%).
Wu’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Two other candidates received single-digit support: Boston community activist Domingos DaRosa had 3%, and former police officer Robert Cappucci had 1%. Seven percent of voters remained undecided.