Historic election set for November

Updated, 7:45 am.

Bostonians in November will choose the city's first elected woman mayor, after they voted for at-large councilors Michelle Wu and Anissa Essaibi George in yesterday's preliminary.

Results were slow to come in - as of 11:45 pm., They city had not reported any numbers, leaving mayoral and city-coincil candidates to rely on results posted by poll watchers at individual precincts - even as Associated Press was able to declare the results in California, where polls closed three hours later.

The November election could show whether Boston voters are in a progressive mood, if they elect Wu, or a more moderate mood if they election Essaibi George.

Essaibi George did very well in the predominantly White sections of Dorchester. The Dorchester Reporter reports she won Ward 16, precinct 12, which votes at Florian Hall, with 593 votes. Wu came in second there with just 47 votes. But Wu won East Boston and even one precinct in Charlestown and showed strength in other parts of the city.

Despite the lack of official numbers, Wu claimed one of the two November slots at Distraction Brewing in Roslindale.

Together, we have and will continue to take on the big challenges we were told would be impossible—from passing paid parental leave to standing up to big corporations to protect rental housing. But we have always believed that more is possible. And now is the time for all of us to lead.

I want to thank the historic field of candidates both for their campaigns and their long records of incredible work in our communities. I look forward to the next stage of this campaign and continuing our fight for the future of our city.

Essaibi George danced into her party around 11:45 p.m.

I’ve been showing up for all our neighborhoods to hear your voices, your stories, successes and struggles...

When you’re struggling to afford rent, buy a house, and lay down roots in the city you love.

When your child relies on school for their healthy meals, and there’s a snow day.

When you see the cycle of violence and trauma play out on the sidewalks in front of your home.

When your brother, sister, uncle, parent struggles with substance use disorder and you can’t get them a bed.

When your neighborhood needs more trees, less potholes, better parks, and reliable transit.

I hear you. Loud and clear. Every day.

Campbell addressed her supporters, but Janey decided not to show up and everybody at her party just went home. She later did issue a concession statement.

Campbell (Dorchester) and Janey won some precincts in their home districts, where, however, turnout was generally lower than elsewhere. John Barros actually won at least one precinct but elsewhere trailed far, far behind.

In the at-large council race, John Spillane, making his first run for elective office after working as an aide to district Councilor Kenzie Bok, said he had secured one of the eight slots to run for the four open seats in the November final. Ruthzee Louijeune, also making her first run, said she will likely finish third. Second-time candidates Erin Murphy and David Halbert also look to have made it to November. Incumbents Michael Flaherty and Julia Mejia also looked to have won spots. Joining them: Bridget Nee-Walsh and, of course, perennial candidate Althea Garrison.

In District 4 (Dorchester, Mattapan), Brian Worrell and former state Rep. Evandro Carvalho will advance.

In District 6 (West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Mission Hill), Kendra Hicks of Jamaica Plain declared she came in first, followed by Mary Tamer of West Roxbury, so they will face off in November. Winnie Eke was eliminated.

In District 7 (Roxbury), Tania Anderson said she came in first, ensuring she continues to November. Perennial loser Roy Owens is looking like he'll also advance, coming in second by a few votes over Angie Camacho.

In District 9 (Allston/Brighton), incumbent Liz Breadon, who got more than 70% of the vote, will face Michael Bianchi.