Fueled by support from union members and their families throughout Boston, Martin Walsh bested City Councilor John Connolly to become the first new Mayor-elect of Boston in almost 20 years.

Walsh's victory marks the first page of a new chapter for working families around the city. First as a laborer and union president, then as a State Representative and now as Mayor-elect of Boston, Walsh's continued commitment to fight for working families has time and again set him apart.

"I want you to know that I will always stand up for you. I've spent my career standing up for working families, and as your Mayor, you can count on me to be your voice in City Hall," Walsh said, following his victory.

Walsh's compassion and strong history of standing up the working class was affirmed by the thousands of union-affiliated volunteers and leaders who donated their time during to his campaign, including hundreds of SEIU members.

[caption id="attachment_4186" align="alignleft" width="364"]Marty Walsh with members after the Oct. 10 political forum at the SEIU Local 888 union hall[/caption]

Support for Walsh at SEIU Local 888 was evidenced by the strong enthusiasm from members and the union's Committee on Political Action at an October 10 forum that both candidates were invited to.

The COPA committee voted overwhelming to endorse Walsh, which should help give our members a stronger voice in the city's future.  Local 888 members and our team of member political organizers actively promoted Walsh's candidacy by canvassing in members neighborhoods through election day to help get out the vote.

"Public service workers know Marty Walsh was the candidate who has best served the needs of all of Boston's neighborhoods," said Local 888 President Mark DelloRusso. "Marty has promoted legislation to create jobs and more opportunities for women and minorities in Boston's workforce.  That's why we all rallied behind Walsh and his progressive, authentic vision for a stronger Boston."

[caption id="attachment_4273" align="alignright" width="332"]Anthony Meeks and Martin Andino both BCYF street workers campaigning for Walsh[/caption]

As Boston continues to prosper, members of SIEU Local 888 need to continue to stay involved and active to ensure that everyone has the same chance to succeed and share in the benefits of living in a world-class city.

Local 888 members were involved in many other municipal races as well.  In addition to the mayor's race, the COPA committee endorsed ten candidates for Boston City Council.  Outside of Boston, members endorsed another 16 candidates for city council in Cambridge, Brockton, Chelsea, Haverhill, Malden and Somerville.

The SEIU Local 888 endorsed candidates and their election outcomes is listed below:

Boston Elections

Marty Walsh, Mayor of Boston - Elected

At-Large City Council:

Stephen Murphy - Elected

Ayanna Pressley - Elected

Michelle Wu - Elected

Jack F Kelly III - Defeated

District 1: Salvatore LaMattina - Elected

District 2: Suzanne Lee - Defeated

District 6: Matt O'Malley - Elected

District 7: Tito Jackson - Elected

District 8: Josh Zakim - Elected

District 9: Mark Ciommo - Elected

[caption id="attachment_4272" align="alignright" width="253"]Local 888 organizer Christina Villafranca gathered signatures on election day for the Raise Up Massachusetts campaign in Malden. She's shown here with victorious Malden City Council candidate Debbie DeMaria.[/caption]

Brockton City Council At-Large City Council: Robert Sullivan - Elected Ward 7 Tim Sullivan - Defeated

Cambridge City Council

Denise Simmons - Elected

Kenneth Reeves - Elected

Dennis Benzan - Elected

Chelsea City Council

Calvin Brown - Elected

Haverhill Elections

At-Large City Council

Fred Simmons - Defeated

Malden Elections

At-Large City Council

Debbie DeMaria - Elected

Bill Coleman - Defeated

Somerville Elections

Alderman at-Large

Dennis Sullivan - Elected

Jack Connelly - Elected

Bill White - Elected

William Medeiros - Defeated

Board of Aldermen

Ward 1: Matt Mclaughlin - Elected

Ward 3: Bob McWaters - Elected

Ward 7: Joe Capuano - - Defeated

Although not formally endorsed by COPA, Local 888 member Tom Ciulla, a custodian in the Everett Schools, was re-elected to the Methuen City Council East District.