Robert Kraft's son Josh set to make a splash in Boston politics

Why it matters: Kraft is a political neophyte but could become a force in Boston politics for three reasons: his connections in the philanthropic world, his legitimate community ties — and the deep pockets of his family and friends.

Zoom in: Kraft, 57, led Boston Boys & Girls Clubs for 12 years. He expanded its operations and raised $132 million during his time at the helm.

• He now heads up his family's philanthropic arm, the New England Patriots Foundation.
• He's the board chairman of the Eastern Massachusetts Urban League, helped establish the Chelsea Boys & Girls Club in the 1990s and has a reputation for hands-on work beyond the boardroom.

While Kraft's brothers stayed close to their billionaire father's paper goods and sports empires, Josh has spent his career in the public service sphere.

• He's the only one of Robert and the late Myra Kraft's four sons not working directly in the family's business operations.
• A longtime Newton resident, he recently made the North End his permanent home.

Kraft went to Williams College and earned a master's in social policy from Harvard.

• He was a public school teacher before joining the South Boston Boys & Girls Club.

Between the lines: Kraft's campaign launch comes as tensions grow between Wu's progressive administration and business-minded constituencies like the real estate and development sectors.

Reality check: An incumbent Boston mayor hasn't lost reelection since 1949. Even with his fortune and name recognition, the headwinds against his candidacy are strong.