City Council Could Decide On Mayoral Special Election Wednesday

BOSTON — The City Council on Wednesday may decide whether to eliminate a special election that would be otherwise required if Mayor Marty Walsh steps down soon.

Adding to the rarity of the situation is the fact that three councilors have already announced their candidacy to succeed Walsh while another — the council's president — will take over as acting mayor and could seek to leverage the power of the incumbency.

Walsh has been nominated by President Biden to join his Cabinet as labor secretary. He has yet to have a confirmation hearing.

But if he leaves office before March 5, a special election would be required — unless the City Council decides otherwise.

Council president Kim Janey will take over as acting mayor if and when Walsh leaves. She will serve out the rest of his entire term should the special election be eliminated.

Councilors Annissa Essaibi George, Michelle Wu and Andrea Campbell have all entered the race to be Boston's next mayor.

Mike Carraggi can be reached at mike.carraggi@patch.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi. Subscribe to Boston Patch for free local news and alerts and like us on Facebook.