Setti Warren, a former Newton mayor, candidate for governor, and current director of the Institute of Politics at Harvard University, has died. He was 55.
Warren served as mayor of Newton for two terms, from 2010 to 2018. He was the first popularly elected African American mayor in Massachusetts.
Warren passed away suddenly at his home in Newton, according to several statements announcing his death. There was no immediate cause given.
“He conscientiously and deliberately served residents in all 13 villages of Newton and continuously worked across divides,” said Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, in a statement.
Warren also served as a special assistant at the White House during the Clinton Administration and he was the New England director for FEMA from 2000 to 2001. He ran for governor in 2017, ending the campaign in April 2018, citing the difficulty of raising enough money for the race.
Harvard officials expressed sorrow at the news of their colleague’s passing.
“We write today with profound sadness to share that Setti Warren, Director of the Institute of Politics, has passed away. Setti was a beloved member of our community, and we are devastated by this heartbreaking news,” said Jeremy M. Weinstein, Dean of the Kennedy School and David J. Deming, Danoff Dean of Harvard College, in a joint statement.
At Harvard, Warren served as Director of the Institute of Politics and, before that, as Executive Director of the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy.
“In these roles, he will be remembered as a visionary and tireless leader who helped steer these institutions as they hosted prominent speakers and fellows from across the political divide, conducted groundbreaking research, and fostered debate and engagement on the most challenging issues of our time. Most of all, he will be remembered at Harvard by the many students he helped, Weinstein and Deming continued.
“Setti’s students loved him, and their impact –– like his –– will reverberate for generations to come,” they said.
Fuller continued, praising his tenure as mayor: “He believed deeply in education and invested in the Newton Public Schools and its school buildings. He worked to spark the growth of Newton’s innovation economy. He reduced the City’s carbon footprint. He created a durable long-range transportation strategy. He kept the City’s finances strong.”
Warren was also remembered by elected officials in the state.
“I am devastated to hear about the passing of @HarvardIOP’s Director, Setti Warren,” said Representative Katherine Clark. “He was a beloved teacher, mentor, and leader. As former Mayor of Newton, he inspired students to love and participate in public service.”
Rep. Jake Auchincloss said his entry into politics was inspired by Warren.
“Massachusetts has lost a bright light much too young. Setti Warren was my mayor, my friend, and an exemplar to everyone of public service. When I first ran for city council, it was his style of door-to-door dynamism that inspired me.”
Warren is survived by his wife Tassy and children Abigail and John, among other family, according to the statements announcing his death. A service to honor Warren is being planned at Harvard. Funeral arrangements are not yet available.
