It's Official: Tito Jackson Running For Boston Mayor

Boston City Councilor Tito Jackson will announce Thursday afternoon that he is entering the race for mayor against incumbent Martin Walsh.

Jackson, 41, currently represents Roxbury and parts of the South End, Dorchester and Fenway. The Democrat was first elected to the city council in 2011.

His candidacy has been long expected, but it's outcome is uncertain against a popular incumbent mayor. Walsh's favorability ratings consistently rank around 70 percent, despite stumbles on Boston's would-be IndyCar event, the debacle over the Olympics and the high-profile indictment of top aides in City Hall.

Jackson launched a new website Wednesday outlining his campaign goals, as well as glossy video introduction (below).

His pitch? "Tito Jackson. The Progressive Choice for Mayor." Jackson's video touches on his background as an adopted child, and highlights serious city challenges that could dim Walsh's star, such as housing affordability and income inequality.

Jackson will formally make his announcement 2 p.m. Thursday at Roxbury's Haley House Bakery Cafe. There, according to an email sent late Wednesday by Tito Jackson for Boston, the councilor "maps out his vision for our great city."

Image via Youtube

Alison Bauter, Patch staff, contributed to this report.