Thomas Menino - Political Career

Political Career

Menino served nine years on Boston's city council when Ray Flynn left the mayor's seat to become United States Ambassador to the Holy See. Menino, the council president at the time, became acting mayor for four months. He was elected to his first term in November 1993, defeating State Representative James Brett 64% to 36%. He became the city's first non-Irish-American mayor since 1930. After running unopposed for a second term in 1997, Menino defeated Boston City Councilor Peggy Davis-Mullen in 2001 for a third term with 76% of the vote and in 2005 garnered 67% of the vote in beating Maura Hennigan, another councilor. On July 13, 2009, Menino became the longest-serving mayor in Boston history. On November 3, 2009, Menino garnered 57% of the vote, defeating Boston City Councilor Michael F. Flaherty and securing an unprecedented fifth term.

According to Menino’s official biography, “Among his main priorities, are: providing every child with a quality education; creating affordable housing; lowering the crime rate; revitalizing Boston's neighborhoods; and promoting a healthy lifestyle for all city residents.” Menino was president of the United States Conference of Mayors from 2002 to 2003. He resides in Hyde Park with his wife, Angela Faletra, and children, Thomas, Jr. and Susan. On March 27, 2013, Boston journalist David Bernstein reported via Twitter that Menino is expected to announce that he will not run for re-election this year.