Boston City Council Votes To Eliminate Special Election For Mayor

The City Council on Wednesday voted to eliminate a special election that would take place if Mayor Marty Walsh leaves office before March 5. Two councilors who have declared for the race and the would-be acting mayor took part in the unanimous vote, while another candidate voted present.

If the Home Rule Petition finds favor with Walsh, the Legislature and Gov. Charlie Baker, it will trigger a full-speed-ahead sprint toward the fall election.

"This wouldn’t have happened without all of the advocates and stakeholders who demanded we put health and equity first," said Councilor Richard Arroyo, who filed the petition.

City Council President Kim Janey would be acting mayor until the results of the November general election are certified.

City Councilors Annissa Essaibi George, Michelle Wu and Andrea Campbell have all entered the race to be Boston's next mayor. Essaibi George voted present Wednesday, while Wu and Campbell voted in favor.

Janey hasn't said she will run, but could seek to leverage the power of the incumbency. Several other names are being rumored as potential candidates.

Related: Alex Gray Running To Be Boston's First Blind City Councilor

Walsh has been nominated by President Biden to join his Cabinet as labor secretary. He has yet to have a confirmation hearing.

But if he leaves office before March 5, a special election would have been required. Officials have said a special election so close to the regularly scheduled one and its primary during a pandemic is unnecessary, dangerous and inequitable.

Mike Carraggi can be reached at mike.carraggi@patch.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi. Subscribe to Boston Patch for free local news and alerts and like us on Facebook.