Setti Warren, Pioneering Newton Mayor and Harvard Politics Director, Dies at 55

Setti Warren, a trailblazing public servant and former mayor of Newton, Massachusetts, has died unexpectedly at age 55. He was the first African American popularly elected to lead a city in Massachusetts and served two terms as mayor, during which he focused on education, transportation, environmental sustainability, and economic innovation. Warren also had a notable career in federal government, including roles under President Bill Clinton, Senator John Kerry, and FEMA, as well as military service as an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve. After his mayoral tenure, he became director of Harvard Kennedy School's Institute of Politics, where he emphasized fostering ideological diversity and preparing students to engage constructively in a polarized political environment. Under his leadership, the Institute grew significantly, launching new programs and attracting record student interest, particularly from diverse political perspectives. Warren was widely regarded as a visionary leader committed to public service, dialogue, and mentorship, whose impact will be felt for generations.