District 4 City Councillor Brian Worrell is the favorite to win the votes needed to be the next president of the Boston City Council, according to sources familiar with the vote, which will take place on Monday after councillors are sworn into office.
City Councillor Gabriella Coletta Zapata from District 1 withdrew her name from consideration on Sunday.
“Upon further reflection, I have decided not to seek the nomination for city council president,” Coletta Zapata said in a statement sent to The Reporter. “I’m thankful for those who supported me and I look forward to serving my next term focused on my constituents, protecting Bostonians from divisive federal attacks, and in the health and well-being of my growing family.”
Her withdrawal was first reported by MassterList.
In November, Coletta Zapata of East Boston announced that she had secured enough commitments from colleagues on the 13-member body to make her the next president. But, Worrell and at-Large Councillor Julia Mejia challenged that assertion and continued to lobby for the support needed to win the vote.
Councillor Worrell said he had no comment yet, but was encouraged by the news.
News of Coletta Zapata’s decision came after a flurry of phone calls on Sunday in which councillors solidified their support behind Worrell, according to sources familiar with the contest.
At-large Councillor Erin Murphy, one of those committed to support Worrell, told The Reporter that he’s the right choice to succeed Ruthzee Louijeune, the current president who cannot seek another stint as president due to council rules.
“I think Brian will carry himself differently,” said Murphy. “He doesn’t just go with his allies. I do see a more transparent, fair two years on the city council with him as president.”
The Reporter was the first to report last month that Worrell remained a viable contender for the presidency with Murphy, Mejia, District 3 councillor Ed Flynn, and newcomer Miniard Culpepper, who’ll be sworn-in as District 7 councillor, among his likely supporters. Two other councillors— John FitzGerald and Enrique Pepen— indicated to the Reporter at that time that they were uncommitted.
The council and Mayor Wu will be sworn-in during a Monday morning ceremony at Boston Symphony Hall. The councillors will convene later that day to elect their new leader.
