1983 Boston City Council election


Boston City Council elections were held on November 15, 1983, with preliminary elections on October 11, 1983. This election transitioned the Council from having 9 members to having 13 members. All 13 seats were contested in both the preliminary and general election.

Incumbents

Each of the nine incumbent at-large councillors ran for Boston public office.
NamePosition contested forResult
Bruce BollingCouncillor, District 7won
Raymond FlynnMayor of Bostonwon
Maura HenniganCouncillor, District 6won
Christopher A. IannellaCouncillor at-largeelected
Frederick C. LangoneMayor of Bostonlost, 6th
Michael J. McCormackCouncillor at-largeelected
Terence P. McDermottCouncillor at-largelost, 5th
Dapper O'NeilCouncillor at-largeelected
Joseph M. TierneyCouncillor at-largeelected

At-large

In the preliminary election, ten names appeared on the ballot, with voters able to choose four; the top eight vote-getters then appeared on the ballot in the general election.
Voters in the general election could select four of the eight final candidates; Councillors McCormack, Iannella, Tierney, and O'Neil received the most votes, so were re-elected and filled the four at-large seats, while Councillor McDermott finished fifth and was not re-elected.

District 1

was elected.

District 2

was elected.

District 3

James E. Byrne was elected.

District 4

was elected.

District 5

was elected.

District 6

At-large councillor Maura Hennigan was elected.

District 7

At-large councillor Bruce Bolling was elected.

District 8

was elected, becoming the first openly gay Boston City Council member.

District 9

was elected.