On a lively Tuesday evening in Dorchester, community spirit filled the air as local residents gathered for a cookout in Ronan Park. Among the sizzling hot dogs and burgers, one man caught attention as he flipped patties on the grill and served his community, showcasing a side of local politics that often goes unnoticed amidst the spotlight on frontrunners.
Domingos DaRosa, a 47-year-old Hyde Park resident, is an activist and a father of four who has dedicated years to volunteering at the Beantown Slam community cookout. Known affectionately as “Mingos,” he has also held roles as a Pop Warner president and football coach, focusing on uplifting youth in Boston.
“It’s gonna be probably about 300 — a little over 300 hot dogs, burgers,” DaRosa said, representing the energetic effort to feed the crowd despite being aware that most city voters may not know his name. His commitment to the community, however, speaks volumes about his aspirations as he runs to become the next mayor of Boston.
Alongside DaRosa in the race is 80-year-old Robert Cappucci of East Boston, another candidate virtually unknown to many voters. Despite their low profiles, both candidates have secured the necessary 3,000 signatures to appear on the ballot for the preliminary election scheduled for September 9. Voters will have the opportunity to decide which two candidates will advance to the general election on November 4.
DaRosa is actively seeking the attention of the community he has long served. “I’m asking folks: just hear me out. Come see what I’m about,” he urged, emphasizing his long history of community engagement over the past 35 to 40 years.
However, the path to becoming Boston’s next mayor is fraught with challenges for DaRosa and Cappucci. According to a recent Boston Globe/Suffolk University poll, DaRosa holds a mere 3% of voter support, while Cappucci stands even lower at 1%.
Financial backing is also a challenge for both candidates, as neither has raised more than $6,000 during the current campaign cycle, making it difficult to compete with the well-funded campaigns of incumbent Michelle Wu and philanthropist Josh Kraft. Wu, the current mayor, is polling at an impressive 60% and has raised over $2.4 million, while Kraft is polling at 30% with over $3.1 million in campaign funds.
A Cape Verdean immigrant, DaRosa moved to Boston when he was only 10 months old. Throughout his life, he has worked various jobs, from being a city lifeguard to running a property maintenance company. He has unsuccessfully campaigned for Boston City Council three times prior to this mayoral run.
Notably controversial in his activism, DaRosa gained attention in 2020 when he placed used hypodermic needles at the Swampscott home of then-Gov. Charlie Baker to protest inaction regarding the drug issues plaguing the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard, known as “Mass. and Cass.” Long considered a hotspot for drugs and violence, DaRosa’s activism in this area continues to serve as a driving force behind his mayoral campaign.
As mayor, DaRosa has outlined his commitment to addressing rampant drug issues, proposing to reinstate a needle exchange program and rehabilitate Long Island Bridge as well as treatment facilities. However, he lists education as his top priority alongside progressive housing policies like rent control and a fee on luxury housing sales to fund affordable housing initiatives. He believes in a more community-centered approach, suggesting a scaled-back plan for White Stadium to solely serve Boston Public School students rather than inviting a professional women’s soccer team.
Jerome “Stinky” Stephens, a 25-year-old local resident, is among those who trust DaRosa’s vision. Sharing a personal anecdote, he spoke of how DaRosa previously taught him to swim by tossing him into the deep end of a city pool. “Mingos knows what it’s like being thrown into the jungle for real and coming out and trying to survive it and everything,” he said.
DaRosa’s relatability, shaped by his struggles, is a key aspect of his campaign. Having faced financial difficulties and the pressures of raising children, he expresses a deep desire to represent the everyday experiences of many Bostonians. “I am you. I’m late on my gas bill. I’m a month behind on my cell phone. I’m trying to get my kids through the schools. I’m trying to keep a roof over my head,” DaRosa revealed.
As for Robert Cappucci, he is presenting himself as a conservative alternative in the race. An 80-year-old U.S. Navy veteran, Cappucci has been on the electoral scene for decades, having run for office 13 times since the 1970s. Throughout his political career, he has served as a substitute teacher, Boston police officer, and real estate professional.
Cappucci is candid about his motivations for running, voicing a disdain for what he describes as “egotistical” politicians and a desire to serve the community. He frequently announces his willingness to seek help from President Donald Trump if elected, for funding city projects and increasing deportations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
At campaign forums, Cappucci has proposed controversial ideas, including sending “problem” students from Boston Public Schools to participate in the Boston Police Academy’s Physical Training program as a disciplinary measure. “You wanna be a tough guy? Let’s see if you can do the PT program,” he suggested.
Political analysts agree that the prospects for Cappucci and DaRosa are slim, especially given the incumbency advantage of Mayor Wu. Nonetheless, the opportunity for voters to hear diverse perspectives is essential for a healthy democracy. UMass Boston political scientist Erin O’Brien noted the importance of multiple candidates in elections, citing past mayoral races with numerous participants as beneficial for civic engagement.
In 2013, for instance, Boston saw 12 candidates in the preliminary election, a number echoed in the 2021 race when Wu ultimately secured victory. O’Brien emphasized that while the odds may be stacked against Cappucci and DaRosa, their presence adds valuable discussion points to the electoral process.
Regardless of the election’s outcome, both Cappucci and DaRosa have indicated their commitment to continued community involvement. For Cappucci, this involves regular visits to church and the gym, while DaRosa finds joy in fostering community connections through the cookouts he organizes. “Til the last burger’s done,” DaRosa affirmed. “That’s my commitment to the kids in the neighborhood. The least I can do is make sure that they all leave with something to eat.”
image source from：wbur
