City Council President Ruthzee Louijuene is endorsing Mayor Michelle Wu for re-election, the Reporter has learned.

Louijeune, who was the top vote-getter in the last municipal election in 2023, is expected to make the news official as Wu officially launches her re-election campaign at a rally in the South End on Saturday.

"Mayor Wu has always put people first—working tirelessly to create a Boston that's safe, family-friendly, and sustainable for all of our residents,” Louijeune said in a statement sent to the Reporter. “Her leadership has strengthened our city even in this moment of national instability, and I wholeheartedly endorse her for re-election. With Mayor Wu’s steady leadership, we will continue our shared goal of making Boston a home for everyone."

Through a spokesperson, Mayor Wu responded: “I am grateful for Council President Ruthzee Louijeune's leadership, dedication to our residents, and commitment to making Boston a home for everyone. Through her partnership, the City has been able to deliver important initiatives for housing affordability, opportunities for our young people, and investments in neighborhood small businesses. I’m excited for the work we will continue to do together for the future of our city."

Above, Mayor Wu and Councillor Louijeune interacted during a council meeting in Jan. 2022. Chris Lovett photo

Louijeune is the latest in a flurry of high-profile endorsements for the incumbent mayor in recent days. The Boston Globe first reported on Thursday that US Rep. Ayanna Pressley is supporting Wu’s second term. And Politico Massachusetts reported on Thursday morning that three prominent Boston lawmakers— Dorchester’s Rep. Dan Hunt, West Roxbury’s Rep. Michael Rush, and the South End’s Rep. John Moran— have all announced their endorsements of Wu.

Louijeune is the latest city councillor to back Michelle Wu. Other endorsements have already come in for her from City Councillor Brian Worrell, who represents District 4; Henry Santana, an at-large councillor; and other district councillors Gigi Coletta Zapata, Enrique Pepen, Sharon Durkan, Liz Breadon, and Ben Weber.

Wu will officially launch her re-election campaign on Saturday afternoon, April 5 at The Cyclorama at Boston Center for the Arts on Tremont Street.