Boston City Councilor Felix Arroyo announced his candidacy for mayor today, making him the first Latino to run for the office.
Arroyo’s supporters shouted in Spanish, “Sí Se Puede," or "Yes We Can," as he walked into the room.
Arroyo, a Boston Public Schools graduate and Jamaica Plain resident, made his announcement at the Service Employees International Union in Downtown Crossing.
“Because it is here that I developed my skills as an organizer, working for janitors, security guards, building service workers, people that are often overlooked,” Arroyo said.
But in this now-minority-majority city, where 53 percent of residents are not white, Arroyo doesn’t want to focus on race. Even though his father was the first Latino member of the City Council, Arroyo said he wants to run on his own record and work experience.
“I am awfully proud of who I am and where I come from," he said. "I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for that. But the way I win this race is by bringing this message, this vision, of a Boston that moves forward when people work together and everyone has a say, through every neighborhood in this city.”
Neighborhoods such as Jamaica Plain, which is largely Latino, and where Arroyo draws lots of support. No matter Arroyo’s campaign focus, his constituents are aware of the racial aspect of the race. Daniel Lopez-Huspina works at a flower shop there, and said he’s happy to see a Puerto Rican candidate for mayor.
“Since our population is getting bigger I think we need somebody who understands what Latinos are in Boston, and I think it will be fantastic at least to have the opportunity to run,” Lopez-Huspina said.
Jenny Cintro of Dorchester agrees.
“We’re very happy," Cintro said. "Felix is my friend and we’re happy for him. He’s going to do great things as the mayor of Boston.”
Small business owners say they hope the next mayor will prioritize economic development. Steve Murakishi owns a shop called Fire Opal in Jamaica Plain and said he finds Arroyo approachable.
“He always seems to take a great interest in the community, he’s here for a lot of events," Murakishi said. "I think he’s a straight-shooter.”
And Arroyo is young – 33. That’s part of what appeals to constituent Michael Craffey.
“I think he’s done an excellent job as a city councilor," Craffey said. "I think he’d be a very good candidate to enter the race. It’s wide open and I think it’s about time we had some Hispanic representation in the city.”