Walsh Labor Secretary Confirmation Hearing Date Set

BOSTON — Mayor Marty Walsh’s is set to have his confirmation hearing to be President Joe Biden’s labor secretary is set for Feb. 4.

In early January, Biden announced Walsh, describing him as "tough as nails," as his pick for labor secretary after months of speculation.

"This is one of the most important departments to me," Biden said. "I trust Mayor Walsh, and I'm honored he accepted."

The hearing is set to start around 10 a.m. Feb. 4. If he's confirmed by the U.S. Senate Walsh will formally resign and head to Washington, D.C., leaving the question of who will take over as mayor of Boston.

City Council President Kim Janey will serve as acting mayor. However, if Walsh resigned before March 5, the city would have to hold a special election to elect a mayor to serve out the rest of his term in Boston.

There is a growing push to cancel a special election if Walsh leaves before March 5. A preliminary election is scheduled for September with a general to follow in November.

So far, in addition to Boston City Councilors Michelle Wu and Andrea Campbell —who both declared their races before Walsh was officially nominated — Boston City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George, has also officially announced their candidacy for mayor. All three are women of color. Former Boston Police Commissioner William Gross flirted with the idea briefly, before putting it to rest this week, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family. As City Council President Janey is set to take the role of acting Boston mayor there is speculation that she, too, could run with the power of the incumbency behind her.

Walsh, a Democrat, has been the mayor of Boston since 2014. He previously served as a state representative for more than 10 years and was a longtime labor union president.

His appointment comes amid debate over diversity in Biden's cabinet. The president-elect was expected to tap a union favorite to head the department, which will play a pivotal role in enacting his pro-worker agenda.

Previously:

Walsh Goes To Washington: Boston Mayor Accepts Labor ...

Jenna Fisher is a news reporter for Patch. Got a tip? She can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a something you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how.

Patch Reporter Michael Carraggi contributed to this report.