In a surprising about-face just days after news of a seemingly imminent campaign launch, real estate developer Tom O’Brien announced Monday he would not run to unseat Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
O’Brien was set to join Wu, Josh Kraft, and activist Domingos DaRosa in a race to lead the city of Boston for the next four years. In a statement, he said he cares deeply about the city and gave a mayoral bid thoughtful consideration.
“After many conversations with people I know, trust and admire, I’ve decided not to pursue a political candidacy at this time,” said O’Brien’s statement, according to multiple reports. “Instead, I will continue my work with The HYM Investment Group and my engagement in Boston’s charitable and civic life.”
The reversal means that Kraft is now poised to bring the biggest challenge to Wu who is running her first re-election campaign since winning the mayoralty in 2021.
