Poll results: Herald readers vote for favorite Boston mayor
3 minute readPublished: Monday, November 10, 2025 at 10:00 am
Herald Readers Crown Thomas Menino as Favorite Boston Mayor in Poll
Boston Herald readers have spoken, and Thomas Menino has emerged as their favorite mayor in a recent poll. The survey, which asked readers to select their preferred leader from a field of past Boston mayors, saw Menino secure a commanding victory with 50.4% of the vote.
Menino's tenure as mayor spanned over two decades, from 1993 to 2014, making him the longest-serving mayor in Boston's history. His time in office was marked by significant events, including the Boston Marathon bombing. He is remembered for his efforts to make the city inclusive and prosperous.
Trailing Menino in the poll were two other 20th-century mayors. Kevin White, who served from 1968 to 1984, secured second place with 14.3% of the vote. Raymond Flynn, who succeeded White and held office from 1984 to 1993, took third place with 12.4%.
Other former mayors, including Marty Walsh and James Curley, also received votes in the poll. Current Mayor Michelle Wu, along with John Hynes and James Collins, each received a smaller number of votes. Menino's legacy continues to be recognized, most recently with the renaming of the Thomas Michael Menino Convention and Exhibition Center this summer.
BNN's Perspective:
The poll results offer a fascinating glimpse into how Bostonians remember their leaders. While Menino's decisive win reflects a strong positive sentiment towards his long tenure, the presence of other historical figures in the top rankings highlights the enduring impact of past mayoral administrations. It's a reminder that leadership, even decades later, can continue to shape the city's identity and resonate with its residents.
Keywords: Boston mayor, Thomas Menino, Kevin White, Raymond Flynn, mayoral poll, Boston Herald, Michelle Wu, Marty Walsh, James Curley, John Hynes, James Collins, Boston Marathon bombing, city leadership, Boston politics, favorite mayor