Michelle Wu
Michelle Wu is mayor of Boston.
Progressive Mayors
From John Bachtell, May 9, 2023:
- Johnson is not alone among newly elected progressive mayors. Broad-based, diverse multi-racial people’s coalitions have helped elect a wave of new progressive mayors and elected officials in the last few years, including Johnson, Karen Bass in Los Angeles, Michelle Wu in Boston, Tishaura Jones in St. Louis, Ras Baraka in Newark, and Chokwe Antar Lumumba in Jackson, Miss. Helen Gym could join this group if she is elected mayor of Philadelphia on May 16.[1]
Our Revolution endorsement 2022
Our Revolution endorsed Michelle Wu in 2022.
Mayoral run
The Boston City Council elected in 2019 was a big step to the left. For the first time in Boston’s nearly 400-year history, the elected legislative leadership is majority BIPOC and majority women, including both of the 2021 candidates for mayor, City Councilors Michelle Wu and Annissa Essaibi George. Liz Breadon became the first out lesbian elected to the council, and Julia Mejia became the first Latina to win a seat.
Beyond representational diversity, eight of the 13 councilors formed a progressive bloc on the council, with a pro-rent control majority. After Massachusetts voters banned any municipality from enacting rent control through a ballot initiative in 1994, rent control was a taboo topic in city hall and the statehouse. The city council majority broke this quarter-century of silence in January 2020, a week after their inauguration, to testify at a state legislative hearing in favor of lifting the ban. Despite support from a majority of councilors and three-quarters of voters, the statewide ban continues to prohibit city-level action to protect tenants from rising rents.
As the top vote getter in the 2017 and 2019 at-large city council races, Michelle Wu launched her challenge to then-Mayor Walsh in September 2020, when his political future was still in flux. To claim the progressive lane from the labor-backed mayor, Wu has championed social democratic policies such as fare-free public transportation and abolishing the Boston Planning & Development Agency to rein in displacement. Essaibi George entered the mayoral election when Mayor Walsh became the Secretary of Labor. Her policy platform, which would bolster the status quo, includes hiring 300 more police and opposing rent control.
In the preliminary election on September 14, which narrowed the field to the top two candidates, Wu took the lead by winning considerable citywide support, while Essaibi George commanded the highest-turnout, whitest precincts in the city. Councilor Andrea Campbell and Acting Mayor Kim Janey, both Black women candidates, won in the densest Black precincts but came in third and fourth and will not appear on the general election ballot. Historically, these majority Black precincts have formed the political backbone of community organizing in Massachusetts and have originated progressive social policies, from rent control in 1971 to the Fight for $15 from 2012 – 2018. Now, after the elimination of Janey and Campbell in the preliminary election, Black voters are the most powerful uncommitted voting bloc.
The progressive majority has consolidated behind Wu since the preliminary election. Important political actors that had not endorsed a candidate in the preliminary election, such as 1199 SEIU (homecare union), UFCW Local 1445, Senator Ed Markey, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, have come out for Wu strongly for the general election. Mayor Janey and organizations that had endorsed her during the preliminary election, such as SEIU 32BJ and Right to the City Vote, also have endorsed Wu. Right to the City Vote, a BIPOC cross-neighborhood alliance, is the leading electoral organization behind rent control and is rooted in the Rainbow Coalition of the 1980s. Since the preliminary election, Essaibi George has won a considerable number of endorsements from building trades unions, which were Mayor Walsh’s political base.
Black political leaders, under the banner of Wakanda II, had supported Janey but now have consolidated behind Wu. If they back Wu, Black voters will lead the coalition that projects power for a social democratic agenda at the state level. Across the region, the share of voters who support a social democratic agenda that affirmatively improves the lives of Black residents now can contest the white majority that had excluded Black leaders from power for generations. Progressive Black leaders in Boston have long worked in coalition with Latinx and AAPI communities, and this multiracial alliance has its best opportunity to elect a mayor of color since Rainbow Coalition leader Mel King’s run for mayor in 1983.[2]
City Council president
City Councilor Michelle Wu announced November 2015 she had secured enough votes to become the next president of the Boston City Council, a feat that would make her the first Asian-American and the first woman of color to lead the body.
Wu said in an interview she had votes from at least seven of the 13 councilors, seemingly assuring her the president’s post. It appears to be the same coalition that backed outgoing City Council President Bill Linehan.
“I’m grateful for the strong support from many of my colleagues and will continue having conversations with all councilors,” Wu said Friday. “I hope to earn the vote of all of my colleagues in January.”
The 30-year-old Wu took office in 2014 after a successful campaign backed by her mentor and former law school professor, US Senator Elizabeth Warren. Earlier this month, Wu easily won a second term as an at-large councilor representing the entire city.
“You always hear about the new Boston versus the old Boston,” said Councilor Salvatore LaMattina, who is supporting Wu. "We need to get rid of that and just be one Boston. And Michelle is the one to do that. She'll be an awesome City Council president.”
As leader of the council, Wu said, “transparency and accessibility will be key to engaging the public.”
“I look forward to supporting the council’s work in partnership with the mayor to keep improving the quality of life for all residents,” Wu said.
Wu’s coalition is underpinned by the council’s more conservative bloc, which includes Linehan, who is leaving the president’s office because councilors can serve only two consecutive years. Wu played a crucial role when Linehan, who will remain on the council, captured the presidency, casting her vote for him despite pressure from liberal supporters.
Linehan rejected the notion of liberal and conservative blocs on the City Council.
“By anybody’s standards, we’re all quite a liberal bunch,” Linehan said. “This is Boston, Massachusetts, after all.”
With Wu’s announcement, it became clear that although Councilor Matt O’Malley had the backing of the council’s more liberal members, he fell short of the seven needed votes.
“I am incredibly grateful to the four colleagues who supported me and placed their trust in me," said O'Malley, who planned to regroup with supporters over the weekend. “Obviously, I’m disappointed to come up short, but I called Michelle to congratulate her, and I truly wish her nothing but the best.”
O’Malley had secured five votes, including himself. The four councilors who had publicly pledged to support O’Malley were Tito Jackson, Ayanna Pressley, Josh Zakim, and Annissa Essaibi George, who takes office in January.
In capturing the leadership post, Wu forged an unusual alliance. She has described herself as a pragmatic “progressive,” and has championed causes associated with the political left. Her accomplishments included a law guaranteeing that transgender municipal employees and their dependents have access to gender reassignment surgery, hormone therapy, and mental health services.
But by aligning herself with Linehan, Wu alienated some liberal activists.
City Councilor Mark Ciommo of Allston-Brighton also made a play for the presidency, but he abandoned his bid and said in a statement he would support Wu.
Councilor Michael Flaherty, who previously served as council president, also said he planned to vote for Wu, expressing confidence she would prove effective.
The two other councilors voting for Wu are Frank Baker of Dorchester and Timothy McCarthy of Hyde Park. They did not return messages seeking comment.
Incoming councilor Andrea Joy Campbell has not publicly backed a candidate.[3]
JwJ connection
International Women's Day Celebration
Chinese Progressive Association (Boston) International Women's Day Celebration March 8, 2017 - 5:30pm
SEIU 32BJ Local 615 26 West Street Boston, MA 02111.
Celebrate International Women’s Day and the Chinese Progressive Association Workers Center’s 30 years of organizing.
Honorary Committee
- Honorary Event Chair Mayor Martin J. Walsh
- US Senator Elizabeth Warren
- Attorney General Maura Healey
- State Treasurer Deb Goldberg
- State Auditor Suzanne Bump
- State Senator Joseph Boncore
- State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz
- State Senator Linda Dorcena Forry
- State Representative Aaron Michlewitz
- State Representative Liz Malia
- City Council President Michelle Wu
- City Councilor Ayanna Pressley
- City Councilor Anissa Essaibi-George
- City Councilor Andrea Campbell
Year of the Dog Banquet
The Chinese Progressive Association (Boston)’s Year of the Dog Banquet took place March 23 2018, at Empire Garden. (From left) Boston city councilor at-large Michelle Wu, CPA executive director Karen Chen, development/operations director Mark Liu.
The gala looked back on CPA’s achievements in the past year, from advocating higher taxation on short-term rentals to bringing back the Chinatown library after its destruction in 1956.
CPA also honored community leaders for their dedication and hard work on promoting civic engagement and advocating equality in workplaces.
The Northeastern University dining hall workers, who organized strikes to win a contract with improved health benefits and salary in 2017, were given the Social Justice Award
“We are very proud of what we got,” said Angela Bello, a Northeastern University dining hall worker. “Before we got organized for the union, our workplace was a mess. My Chinese coworkers stood up with me and we got very good representation from Local 26. Finally we got all the benefits and dignity at our workplace.”
The University of Massachusetts-Boston Institute for Asian American Studies received the Social Justice Award for its advocacy for Massachusetts to collect disaggregated data for the five largest Asian American ethnic groups.
UMass Boston’s Institute for Asian American Studies was honored with the Social Justice Award. Paul Watanabe, institute director, spoke at the banquet.
“The true measure of an honor is not the stature of the person or the organization being honored, but the stature of the one giving the honor,” said Institute director Paul Watanabe. “It has been a privilege for us to work with the CPA for 25 years.”
CPA presented the Unsung Hero Award to the Castle Square Tenants Organization, which brought together a diverse group of residents to build a vibrant organization that provides opportunities and uplifts a shared vision of resident ownership.
In the past year, CPA has worked on policies that protect tenants and affordable housing. Its team made sure workers were not victims of wage theft.
“I think one of the biggest victories for the community is that after 19 years of struggle, we brought a permanent library to Chinatown. Looking forward, we will continue to advocate for stabilization for Chinatown’s future,” said executive director Karen Chen.[4]
Pressley endorsement
Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu to Endorse Ayanna Pressley for Congress, from the Pressley campaign: Former Boston City Council President and current At-Large Councilor Michelle Wu will endorse today Ayanna Pressley in her campaign to represent the 7th District in Congress at Vejigantes Restaurant in Boston. “Throughout her eight years on the Boston City Council, Ayanna has been a tireless advocate for reducing inequality in all forms,“ said Wu. “She brings people together to champion issues that have been overlooked and communities who have been underserved.“[5]
China Day held in Massachusetts State House
China Day, co-sponsored by Chinese Consulate General in New York and the Asian-American Caucus of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, was held in the Great Hall of Massachusetts State House.on 6th Oct.,2016.
It was the first time for the consulate to hold a China Day event with the State legislature. Over 300 guests attended the event, including Patricia Haddad, Speaker Pro Tempore of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Majority party leader, Taki Chen and all members of the Asian-American Caucus and Michelle Wu, the President of the Boston City Council.
Speaking at the reception, Zhang Qiyue, the Chinese Consul General in New York, briefly introduced the remarkable progress of the past 67 years, the 13th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development and the shift to the structural reform, the innovation and consumption driven economy in China. Zhang expressed confidence that China will maintain a sound momentum.
Patricia Haddad said that efforts should be made to promote the relationship between Massachusetts and China. "From biotech ,science and technology, health care to energy ... all of these things are important for the betterment of both of our worlds."
During the reception, The Asian-American Caucus of Massachusetts State House, The Chinese Progressive Association (Boston), Confucius Institute at UMass Boston, Chung Wah Academy of New England, Cambridge Center for Chinese Culture, Confucius Institute at UMass Boston,
The Asian-American Caucus of Massachusetts State House was established in 2011 to help Asian-American communities better integrate into the political system and life. Currently the caucus has five legislators - Chan of Quincy, Rady Mom of Lowell, Keiko Orrall of Lakeville, Paul Schmid III of Westport, and Donald Wong of Saugus.[6]
China Pearl event
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick made an appearance in Chinatown at an event titled, “An Evening with Governor Deval Patrick” on June 20 2011 at China Pearl Restaurant (9 Tyler Street).
More than 100 people attended the gathering, where many got the opportunity to shake hands and speak briefly with the Governor.
Also arranged at the event, co-chaired by Christina Chan, Francis E. Chan, Helen Chin Schlichte, Paul W. Lee, Richard P. McBrien, Eugene Welch, Leverett Wing, Chi Chi Wu, and Michelle Wu, was a buffet dinner serving Chinese food, soft drinks, beer and wine.
During his address to those in attendance, Gov. Patrick placed an emphasis on “generational responsibility” as well as his stance on the “Secure Communities” or “S-Comm” scheme.
Anna Tse, former journalist and interpreter for the evening, summed up the ambience of those in attendance at the event. “Boston is small,” Tse said. “But it is very political.”
A few notable members of the Chinatown community in attendance were the Chinatown Resident’s Associations’ Henry Yee, and House of Representatives member Tackey Chan.
According to the event pamphlet, Gov. Patrick is “the Commonwealth’s first African-American Governor” and he “came into office with a grassroots message of hope, community, and hard work.”[7]
Colombia
Gladys Oliveros July 13, 2013 ·
Congressman James McGovern, one of my favorites politicians, old friend of mine and who loves Colombia, he was couple years ago in Medellin....better said...was in Castilla, La Comuna Norte!!!! talking with my camarade Juan Aristizabal and my neirghbors on my home BARRIO!!! Jim is going back to Colombia this August he told me. Good luck Congressman McGovern!!! we love you!!! Colombia is wating for you!!! :-)) — with Monica Maria Penagos, Tito Jackson, Jorge E. Torres F., Daniel Vasquez, Deeqo Jibril, Beatriz Ele, Juan Aristizabal, Veronica Robles, Lucy Pineda, Salvatore LaMattina, Michelle Wu, Alejandro Magno, Patricia Flores, Fabian Paternina, Beatriz Valenzuela Valenzuela, Adrian Velazquez, Victor Hugo Giraldo, Luzmar Centeno, Monica Rodriguez, Mario Teran, LasParceritas DianayAngelica, Yoelis Correia, Ulrico Charles Izaguirre, Ana Paulina, Juan Carlos Montoya, Johanna M. Jimenez Zapata, Marta Valencia, Margarita Quintero, Beatriz Elena Taborda, Liliana Cuentera Hortensia, Gloria Oliveros, Franz Israel, Edwin Gil, Saul Garcia, Christian Henao, Luis Valerio, Peggy Pratt Calle, Patty Campatelli, Ernani DeAraujo, Claudia Y. Correa and KX Jimtor.