politics

Christopher Worrell was elected Nov. 8 to represent the 5th Suffolk District in the Massachusetts Legislature. The child of Jamaican and Bajan parents, Worrell was born and raised in Dorchester and graduated from Bunker Hill Community College. His brother, Brian Worrell, was elected in 2021 to represent Dorchester-based District 4 on the City Council.

Vice President Kamala Harris joined union leaders and elected officials at the Greater Boston Labor Council’s annual Labor Day breakfast to celebrate workers and underscore the administration’s commitment to organized labor.

The four candidates vying for the 15th Suffolk state representative seat being vacated by Nika Elugardo came together for their first candidate forum last week, outlining their positions on issues raised by the group Jamaica Plain Progressives.

Mayor Michelle Wu last week signed a home rule petition for a 2% tax on real estate sales over $2 million. The tax would apply only to the amount in excess of $2 million on the sale of real estate. The petition requires legislative approval to become law.

Native American advocates and supporters gathered with state legislators on the State House steps Nov. 18 to voice support for five bills that would address the treatment and experience of Native Americans across the state.

Could this year’s mayoral race, with three Black Candidates, a Latino candidate and an Asian candidate all running for the same seat, rupture the alliance that has dominated politics in Boston’s communities of color?

The City Council 2021 race is filling up with candidates. District 6 City Councilor Matt O’Malley’s seat is open, two new contenders are looking to replace Kim Janey and challengers continue to fill up the District 4 race.

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley dove into a conversation on equity in her policy making with fellow Rep. Barbara Lee and anti-racism scholar Ibrahm X. Kendi on Feb. 4. They spoke on how policy can be more anti-racist, and how equity should already be built into policies on public health and criminal justice.

Legislation passed at the State House last week will create a commission to investigate racial disparities related to maternal health. The bill, created by Rep. Liz Miranda, Rep. Kay Khan and Sen. Rebecca Rausch, is meant to address the crisis of Black women dying in childbirth at higher rates than white women.

Natick Town Meeting member Suzanne E. Ianni drew fire after attending the demonstration and riot in the nation’s capital.

What the mayoral election will look like, and when it will happen, remain open questions. How things will play out depend on two factors: when Walsh, if he is confirmed as Labor Secretary, will actually leave office; and whether the City Council and mayor adopt a home rule petition to waive a special election.

Massachusetts workers began the new year with extended family leave benefits and an increase in the minimum wage.