Frank Baker, a 57-year-old former Boston City Councilor, is gearing up for a political comeback as he heads to Saturday morning soccer games in Charlestown to convince families to support his return to office.
Baker, known for his ‘lunch-bucket Democrat’ stance, is no stranger to the council, having served six terms before stepping back two years ago due to a combination of long-COVID, strokes, and a political controversy that followed him throughout his career.
Just before getting in his gray Tacoma pickup—filled with political fliers and tools—he turned up the jazz music from the ’50s to steady his nerves. “This allows me to take deep breaths and just be measured,” Baker explained. “I grew up in total chaos, so like chaos, you just sound off, you just yell. I need to be measured. I need to think before I speak.”
Baker grew up in Dorchester as the 12th of 13 siblings, worked in the City Hall print shop for 25 years, and has been known for his sometimes controversial remarks, including a harsh accusation against fellow councilor Liz Breadon during redistricting discussions. At that time, Baker suggested that Breadon aimed to undermine Catholic neighborhoods due to her Irish Protestant background, prompting a swift rebuke from her: “This is an insult. It is an absolute disgrace.”
Despite stepping back from his council role, Baker could not shake the “what ifs” about a return. He expresses a desire to bring more ‘balance’ to a progressive-dominated City Council, aiming to reclaim one of the four at-large councilor positions this November.
The anticipated election results may provide insight into the priorities of Boston’s Democratic base, the current council dominated by a progressive supermajority frequently aligned with Mayor Michelle Wu, which often results in 9-3 votes on initiatives.
As Baker entered the preliminary election on September 9, he faced a crowded field and finished fifth, falling short by over 4,400 votes against progressive incumbent Henry Santana. Santana, a Dominican immigrant with a background in public housing, has garnered significant support from the current mayor, including assistance in securing his place on the preliminary ballot.
“Boston residents are smart. Boston residents understand where we want to go, and I represent Boston’s future, and I think my opponent doesn’t,” Santana asserts about his campaign against Baker.
Baker, who served alongside Mayor Wu, remains critical of her administration and believes law enforcement should better collaborate with federal immigration agencies. While he supports the Trust Act, which limits cooperation with federal agents in non-criminal matters, he argues that its application has been skewed into a political issue.
“We don’t need to work with the president,” Baker emphasized, redirecting the conversation to local matters. He noted that there are numerous issues in Boston unrelated to President Donald Trump, stating, “We have a lot going on in the city of Boston that has nothing to do with Donald Trump that we need to address.”
Larry DiCara, a former Boston City Councilor who has advised numerous political figures, remarked on the city’s historical preference for balance within the council. This, he notes, could favor Baker in the current race.
He referenced the 1981 election when then-Mayor Kevin White backed seven candidates prepared to dominate the council but found that voters favored a diverse representation.
“Frank has a swath of support up and down Dorchester Avenue because he comes from a family; he’s one of 13. There are Bakers everywhere,” DiCara explained while hinting that Baker’s local connections could boost his chances with voters.
Producer support aside, Baker is acutely aware of the influential progressive voter bloc in Boston. To stay relevant, he collaborates closely with youthful campaign staff for language updates, as seen when he corrected himself during a discussion about the city’s police.
Baker’s prevailing message focuses on reconnecting residents with City Hall, a sentiment that resonates particularly during this political climate. Baker posits that the success of his campaign hinges on voter turnout levels—especially crucial given the stronghold Mayor Wu has on her own election, which might lead some progressive voters to abstain from the council races.
As he prepares to face off against a plethora of opponents, including incumbents Ruthzee Louijeune, Julia Mejia, Erin Murphy, and Santana, as well as newcomers Alexandra Valdez, Marvin Mathelier, and Will Onuoha, Baker remains optimistic about his chances.
“This is a close race,” DiCara noted, emphasizing that success is contingent upon Baker’s efforts to mobilize his support base.
With a complex political landscape and diverse voter expectations, Frank Baker’s journey back to the Boston City Council promises a compelling narrative as he navigates the challenges and opportunities of the upcoming election.
image source from：wbur
