Local officials consider mayoral runs

With incumbent Thomas Menino out of the race, several local officials are considering a run for the Mayor’s Office.

City Councilor Mike Ross, state Rep. Jeffrey Sánchez and state Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz are among those either considering a run or not ruling it out. City Councilors Tito Jackson and Matt O’Malley are the only directly local officials who have stated they won’t run for mayor.

The candidates currently in the race include: Roxbury radio host Charles Clemons, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley, At-large City Councilor John Connolly of West Roxbury, City Councilor Rob Consalvo of Hyde Park and Hyde Park businessman Will Dorcena. Connolly told the Gazette he was “floored” by Menino deciding not to run. Dorcena and Clemons did not respond to interview requests.

Ross, who lives in Mission Hill and represents most of the neighborhood, deflected questions about whether he will run, saying, “There is plenty of time to talk about my plans and other people’s plans.”

Sánchez, a Jamaica Plain resident who grew up in Mission Hill, confirmed he is considering a run, saying, “It’s a big decision to make. It’s a family decision,” he said.

“I’m not going to take it lightly because you have to go in with your entire heart,” Sánchez continued. “There’s no half-stepping with this. It’s the future of the city. Any candidate who is going to do this, you have to have public service in your gut. One thing I do know, public service is in my gut.”

“I’m humbled to be considered [as a potential candidate],” said Chang-Díaz, a JP resident who represents Mission Hill. “I see why anyone who cares about good government would take a look at the seat.”

Jackson, who represents the Alice Taylor Homes housing development area, said this week he will for reelection to his District 7 council seat.

“The future is bright for Boston, from Dudley Square to Maverick Square to Kenmore Square and all the places in between,” Jackson said in a written statement. “I look forward to the working with the next mayor to make Boston better than it is today.”

O’Malley, who represents part of the Back of the Hill, told the Gazette he will not run for mayor.

“I am running for District 6 [City Council] reelection. I love my job,” said O’Malley. “I may run for mayor someday,” he added, but noted he has been in office only two years and would want more Boston City Council experience before making that sort of move.

Various other notable officials are openly considering or not ruling out a run, including former City Councilor Michael Flaherty, state Rep. Martin Walsh and City Councilors Felix Arroyo, Stephen Murphy, Ayanna Pressley and Charles Yancey.

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