Newton Mayor Setti Warren Won’t Seek Re-Election

Newton Mayor Setti Warren announced today in an email to his supporters that he does not intend to seek re-election in 2017. First elected in 2009, Mayor Warren has frequently appeared on lists of potential Democrats for statewide office.

Here is the email:

Dear Friend,

After having the privilege to serve as your mayor for the past seven years, I have decided not to run for reelection in 2017. This was a difficult decision for me, for I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to lead the city where Tassy and I grew up and where we are raising our two children. I have loved being mayor of this great city.

I am making this announcement now to give our community an adequate amount of time to select the next mayor, and I look forward to the coming year as I continue to serve the city through the end of my term.

When I ran for mayor in 2009, I pledged to address the city’s financial crisis, maintain the excellence of the school system, set Newton on track for long-term financial health, repair the city’s crumbling roads and public buildings, and bring honesty, openness, and accountability to city government. I’m so proud that together, we have accomplished these goals and so much more.

We have created a strong foundation for Newton to address the needs of residents now and those of future generations. Our administration has introduced initiatives to increase affordable and diverse housing, improve all modes of transit, expand an inclusive innovation economy, and reduce our carbon footprint, all while saving the city money. Finally, we have established a historic partnership with Boston College to address income inequality and economic mobility in Newton, increasing access to opportunity for residents in the decades to come.

None of this would have been possible without the great efforts of Newton’s elected officials, city employees, teachers, educators, school and city unions, the business community, and residents, who have worked with us to make this city all that it can be. I will always be dedicated to public service and to our community.

Sincerely,

Setti D. Warren