Irish Americans Marty Walsh and John Connolly will meet in a runoff November 5th, to decide the next mayor of Boston.

Walsh, a state senator with Irish-born parents, and City Councilor Connolly who made public schools his main issue, defeated ten other candidates to win through to the run-off.

Walsh finished just ahead of Connolly with 18 per cent of the vote to Connolly’s 17 per cent.

They will face off to replace Tom Menino the long-time mayor who has retired due to ill health.
Walsh caused a mild surprise by finishing first as polls had shown Connolly with a narrow lead.