Zakim Announces Endorsements in City Council Race

The preliminary election for the District 8 City Council seat that covers the Back Bay is heating up, with candidate Joshua Zakim announcing several key endorsements this week.

Zakim, who resides at 177 Commonwealth Ave. #2, announced the endorsements of Kitty Dukakis, the Greater Boston Labor Council, Massachusetts Voters for Animals, ¿Oíste?, SEIU Local 888, the Sierra Club, and UNITE HERE Local 26.

Dukakis, the wife of Democratic former Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis, said the couple has known Zakim his entire life. She said she believes Zakim "will represent District 8 with the integrity and commitment to helping others that he has shown throughout his life."

“I am thrilled to receive the support of this broad and diverse coalition,” Zakim said in a statement. “I share with these individuals and organizations a deep commitment to social and economic justice for all Bostonians, and look forward to working closely with them."

Zakim's campaign said these are the first endorsements given to any candidate in the race.

Zakim is joined on the Sept. 24 preliminary election ballot by the following candidates:

Michael Joseph Nichols of 120 Mountfort St. #101

Gloria Murray of 31 Smith St. #B, Roxbury

Thomas Joseph Dooley III of 112 Pinckney St.

Angelica Elle Addivinola of 1 Longfellow Pl.

They are vying to replace current District 8 Councilor Mike Ross, who is seeking the mayor's office in the September preliminary.