State Rep. Walsh Makes Boston Mayoral Bid Official

Dorchester state Rep. Martin Walsh, who had previously said he planned to run for Boston mayor, made his entrance into the race official on Wednesday.

In a news release (PDF), Walsh said, in part:

The future of Boston depends on the education of our children, the strengthening of our working families, the protection of our vulnerable, and the growth of our businesses. I am running for Mayor because I have the skills, record and passion to do the job. I want to move our schools forward, create good jobs for local residents, and create an environment where families can prosper and businesses can grow.

In the release, Walsh said he has over $200,000 in his campaign account and has, over the last several days, secured commitments for $400,000 more in campaign funds.

Walsh has represented the 13th Suffolk District in the Massachusetts House since 1997.

He joins an ever-expanding list of candidates seeking to replace Mayor Thomas Menino, including Boston City Councilors Felix Arroyo, Rob Consalvo and John Connolly; Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley; and community organizer Bill Walczak.