US Representative Ayanna Pressley of Boston is endorsing Mayor Michelle Wu as she seeks reelection this fall, providing the mayor with a boost just days before her formal campaign launch on Saturday.
Wu is facing a challenge from longtime philanthropic leader Josh Kraft, who is also the third son of billionaire Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Prominent real estate developer Thomas O’Brien had planned to also mount a bid to unseat Wu this week, but reversed course on Monday, leaving Kraft as Wu’s only major opponent so far.
Kraft has been working to collect endorsements, too, and to date has earned the support of the Iron Workers Local 7 union and the International Longshoreman Association.
Wu has accumulated endorsements from several unions, including the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association, seven Boston City Councilors, eight state representatives, and state Senator Lydia Edwards of East Boston.
Pressley, a progressive leader and one of the state’s most influential politicians, is the most high-profile elected official to weigh in on the race so far.
“We find ourselves at an unprecedented inflection point in our city and country that requires bold, steady, and compassionate leadership,” Pressley said in a statement. “Mayor Wu has demonstrated that she understands the urgency this moment demands.”
Pressley went on to praise Wu for her leadership in making Boston “a safer, greener, and healthier city — one that reflects the values of our residents,“ and said she is proud to endorse Wu for reelection.
Pressley and Wu are longtime personal and political allies, going back to their time serving together on the Boston City Council. Wu acknowledged that history in a statement.
“I have served alongside Congresswoman Pressley since the beginning of my time in elected office,” Wu said. “She has always shown what it means to keep people at the center of our policymaking, and I’ve been proud to stand alongside her to defend Boston in this moment. She is a true sister in service to me and I am honored to have her support for re-election.”
Pressley has been a prominent and vocal supporter of Wu’s, including in recent months as Boston has become a target of the Trump administration.
Wu and three other liberal city mayors were summoned to testify before a Congressional committee in Washington in March about the cities’ policies on when and how local officials cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts. White House “border czar” Tom Homan had previously singled out Boston, promising to “bring hell” with immigration raids.
The hearing put Wu and Boston in the national spotlight, and Wu’s performance earned her a groundswell of support in Boston and on the national stage.
Kraft earlier this week accused Wu of focusing too much on national politics and neglecting local issues, after officials were forced to cancel the city’s youth summer jobs fair midway through due to a fight. Since he formally launched his bid to challenge Wu, Kraft has sought to attack her over stalled housing development in the city, and capitalize on dissatisfaction over her policies on bike and bus lanes, and her effort to redevelop White Stadium for Boston Public Schools students with a professional women’s soccer team.
Wu has countered that Kraft, who only moved within Boston’s boundaries in October 2023, is not the right fit to lead the city.
Niki Griswold can be reached at niki.griswold@globe.com. Follow her @nikigriswold.