Boston

Josh Kraft expected to formally announce run for Boston mayor on Tuesday

He released a video on YouTube on Monday outlining his reasons for running and his top priority

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Josh Kraft, the son of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, is scheduled to formally announce a run for mayor of Boston on Tuesday.

He is expected to make his announcement at 11 a.m. at Prince Hall in Dorchester.

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Kraft released a video on YouTube on Monday in which he outlines his reasons for seeking the mayor's office and his top priority.

"There's a saying we had at the Boys & Girls Club. I care," Kraft says in the video. "I care that Boston is heading in the wrong direction. I care that our region continues to leave many people behind. I care that middle class families are being squeezed by the cost of housing, and I care that City Hall puts politics and ideology ahead of impact. That's why I'm running for mayor."

Kraft says in the video that his number one priority is to lower the cost of housing by building more housing in Boston.

"Strong leadership starts with listening," he says. "I will continue listening to people in every part of Boston, because my life has taught me that you can learn form anyone. True change comes not from orders from City Hall but by empowering people and communities."

The video ends with a slate that reads, "Democrat for Mayor Josh Kraft. More housing. More opportunity."

Watch the full campaign ad below:

A source close to Kraft confirmed last month that he was planning to run for mayor of Boston and would make a formal announcement sometime in February.

Kraft's entry into the mayoral race sets up a high-profile battle with incumbent Michelle Wu, who said in an interview last year that she expects to make her official announcement in 2025. Wu gave birth to her third child last month and has already returned to work.

Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn, the son of former Mayor Ray Flynn, had been considering a run as well, but announced last month that he would not seek the office.

Kraft is president of the New England Patriots Foundation and responsible for the family philanthropic initiatives such as the Patriots Foundation, the Revolution Charitable Foundation, and the Kraft Center for Community Health.

He previously spent 30 years with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, starting there in 1990 as a program coordinator at what is now the Edgerley Family South Boston Club.

Kraft has also worked with the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, currently serving as its board chair.

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