Third woman tosses hat into the race for Boston’s mayor

BOSTON — The third woman tosses her hat into the race for Boston’s mayor.

“My name is Annissa Essaibi-George and I am running for mayor of Boston,” said Essaibi-George.

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The former school teacher, city councilor-at-large, small business owner and mother of four teenage boys says her experience makes her the best choice.

“It’s a difficult time and I feel I’m best equipped to lead us through this difficult time and find us on the other side,” she said.

Essabi -George enters the race alongside Michelle Wu and Andrea Campbell, who are also city councilors. All are vying to replace Marty Walsh who’s likely headed to Washington. He was nominated by President Biden to be U.S. Labor Secretary.

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Essaibi George says she understands the city because she grew up here.

“I believe in a Boston that lifts up every neighborhood and embraces all who call it home,” said Essiabi-George.

If Walsh becomes Labor Secretary, Kim Janey, the current Boston City Council president will become interim mayor.

And that means the faces running Boston will look dramatically different. Women of color will hold or are running to hold the office of mayor.

That includes Essaibi-George, the daughter of immigrants, her mother Polish, her father an Arab-Muslim from North Africa.

Now she says is her chance to give back to Boston – a city that’s given her so much.

“It’s allowed me a first-generation American, a daughter of immigrants, a Dorchester kid with an Arab name to run for mayor,” she said.

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