Petition To Skip Boston's Special Election Passes Another Hurdle

BOSTON — The petition to bypass a special election if Mayor Marty Walsh leaves for his Washington post before the end of next week passed another hurdle Monday.

The House approved the home rule petition to cancel the special election if Walsh resigns by March 5. Walsh has yet to have his Senate confirmation hearing to become President Biden's labor secretary.

The petition still needs to work its way through the Senate and Gov. Charlie Baker, who has said he will sign it. It has already passed the Boston City Council.

City Councilors Annissa Essaibi George, Michelle Wu and Andrea Campbell have all entered the race to be Boston's next mayor. Council President Kim Janey would take over as acting mayor if Walsh leaves.