New poll shows Wu lead in mayoral race
A new poll in the Boston mayoral race brought good news for Michelle Wu, showing a sizable lead over Annissa EssaibiGeorge in the first survey since the preliminary election.
The poll from WBUR, MassINC and the Dorchester Reporter of 501 “likely” voters had Wu up with 57% support to Essaibi-George’s 25% in a battle of the two at-large city councilors.
This comes just under three weeks out from the Nov. 2 general election.
Wu led the way in the Sept. 14 preliminary, drawing 33% of the vote, with Essaibi-George at 22% finishing second and advancing. Of those polled, 71% said they voted in that election, and 28% said they did not.
The poll also sought to measure favorability marks for the two candidates — and, oddly, Gov. Charlie Baker — and came back with results that looked good for Wu, who had 61% favorables with 15% unfavorable.
For Essaibi-George, 37% held favorable views to 25% unfavorable. Fourteen percent said they hadn’t heard of Essaibi-George, as compared to 5% for Wu.
Baker’s numbers in Boston were fairly similar to Wu’s, with 56% liking him, 22% disliking him and 4% never having heard of him.
The poll also asked about the race for the four at-large city council seats. Incumbents Julia Mejia and Michael Flaherty led the way, with newcomer Ruthzee Louijeune and second-time candidate Erin Murphy at the front of a tight pack.
Asked about what’s important for politicians to take on in the city, 84% of respondents said that improving the schools was a “major priority;” 74% said the same about controlling housing costs.
Improving traffic and public transportation both scored in the 60s, while getting tougher on crime, dealing with Mass and Cass and reforming the police all were in the 50s.