Despite some close calls, Boston voters ultimately decided yesterday that change isn’t necessary.
Every incumbent was re-elected, including the four current at-large councilors who faced three challengers for the citywide seats.
The only new face on the 13-member Boston City Council will be Frank Baker who will replace the retiring Councilor Maureen Feeney in District 3, which includes Dorchester.
Baker bested his challenger, John O’Toole, by 12 percentage points with all but one precinct reporting.
In the race for the District 2 councilor, incumbent Bill Linehan of South Boston edged challenger and educator Suzanne Lee by 87 votes. It was unclear when a recount might take place for that race.
One familiar face who did not make the cut was former councilor Michael Flaherty. He attempted to mount a comeback to the council after a failed attempt to unseat Mayor Thomas Menino.
He had a good, but not good enough showing, in this election and missed earning his seat back by less than 1 percentage point or about 1,000 votes.
Top finishers
Boston’s at-large council candidates with 99 percent of the precincts reporting:
Ayanna Pressley, 21.42%
Felix Arroyo, 20.26%
John Connolly, 18.74%
Stephen Murphy, 15.25%
Michael Flaherty, 14.73%
Will Dorcena, 4.98%
Sean Ryan, 4.22%
