Raymond Flynn

Raymond Flynn
Born	(1939-07-22) July 22, 1939 South Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Politician, diplomat, educator, probation officer, basketball player
Years active	1971–1997 (politics)
Known for	Mayor of Boston (1984–1993); United States Ambassador to the Holy See (1993–1997)

Raymond Leo Flynn (born July 22, 1939) is a prominent American figure in politics and diplomacy, having held the position of mayor of Boston, Massachusetts from 1984 until 1993 and serving as the United States Ambassador to the Holy See between 1993 and 1997. His political career also includes terms in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1971 to 1978 and on the Boston City Council from 1978 to 1984.

Flynn distinguished himself as an All-American college basketball athlete at Providence College, where he was named the "Most Valuable Player" during the 1963 National Invitation Tournament. Following a short stint in professional basketball, he transitioned into roles as an educator and probation officer before embarking on his political journey. A member of the Democratic Party, Flynn was recognized for his combination of economic liberalism and cultural conservatism. Representing South Boston amid the Boston desegregation busing turmoil, he stood against federally imposed busing and upheld a firm anti-abortion position. During his time as a state legislator, he co-sponsored the "Flynn–Doyle amendment," which prohibited government funding for abortions via Medicaid; this legislation was enacted despite Governor Michael Dukakis' veto in 1978. On the Boston City Council, Flynn resisted increases in utility rates and advocated strongly for tenants' protections.

After winning the mayoral election in 1983, Flynn secured re-election in both 1987 and 1991 with significant voter support. He successfully eliminated a substantial budget deficit by advocating for a state revenue initiative permitting new local taxes, which Governor Dukakis signed into law in 1985. To combat discriminatory lending practices, Flynn negotiated a $400 million community reinvestment agreement with financial institutions. He championed legislation that replaced Boston's elected school board with one appointed by the mayor—a decision he later expressed regret over. Although his administration faced scrutiny regarding police responses to racial tensions, it made progress in public housing desegregation and fostering racial reconciliation. Flynn empowered community organizations in urban development efforts, notably granting eminent domain powers to the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative. Additionally, he implemented rent control measures alongside robust tenants' rights protections. From 1991 to 1992, Flynn served as president of the United States Conference of Mayors.

In 1993, Flynn stepped down from his mayoral role to accept appointment as ambassador to the Holy See under President Bill Clinton, where he expanded the diplomatic mission's international scope despite encountering some controversies. He ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the United States House of Representatives in 1998. Subsequently, Flynn led Catholic Alliance, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to Catholic advocacy.

Early life and education

Born on July 22, 1939, to Stephen and Lillian Flynn (), Raymond Flynn was raised primarily in South Boston, where he has spent most of his life. Of Irish-American heritage, his father was an immigrant who worked as a unionized longshoreman, while his mother was employed as a cleaning worker. Flynn grew up attending Gate of Heaven Parish in South Boston.

During his youth, Flynn served as a "ball boy" for the Boston Celtics at their home games held at Boston Garden, and he excelled athletically across three sports while attending South Boston High School.

Flynn earned a basketball scholarship to attend Providence College, where he achieved recognition as an All-American player. In his final collegiate year, he received the "most valuable player" honor at the 1963 National Invitation Tournament.

While serving on the Boston City Council, Flynn completed a master's degree in education at Harvard University in 1981.

Early career

In April 1963, Flynn was chosen by the Syracuse Nationals during the fourth round of the 1963 NBA draft. Although the Nationals moved to Philadelphia and became the 76ers, Flynn never played for the team, instead spending part of the 1963–64 season with the Wilmington Blue Bombers in the Eastern Professional Basketball League. In September 1964, Philadelphia traded his NBA rights to the Boston Celtics, but he was cut from their roster in October as the final player released.

Flynn served in the United States Army, with assignments at Aberdeen Proving Ground and Fort Dix. Prior to his political career, he held various roles including youth counselor, high school educator, probation officer, and longshoreman. Between 1965 and 1970, Flynn worked as a probation officer for the Suffolk County Superior Court, where he conducted investigations into criminal matters.

At the start of his political journey, Flynn was a close associate of U.S. House Speaker John W. McCormack, also hailing from South Boston. During Vice President Hubert Humphrey’s 1968 presidential bid, Flynn acted as a personal aide to Humphrey’s family.

Massachusetts House of Representatives (1971–1978)

Capitalizing on his local sports fame, Flynn secured election to the Massachusetts House in 1970. His positions generally aligned with those of his South Boston constituents, advocating for labor unions, affordable housing initiatives, tenants' protections, and opposing redlining practices, expansion of Logan Airport, and reductions in welfare programs. Peter Dreier characterized him as a "parochial South Boston pol with progressive leanings." South Boston was recognized as politically conservative.

Education policy and resistance to desegregation busing

Flynn resisted court-mandated desegregation busing efforts. In 1973, he actively opposed Boston’s busing plan, including initiating legal action against the Massachusetts Board of Education. He contended that busing would incite tensions between economically disadvantaged Black and White families attending under-resourced schools, while more affluent suburban students remained in superior institutions. Unlike more vehement anti-busing figures such as Louise Day Hicks and William Bulger, Flynn rejected racially inflammatory opposition and discouraged violent demonstrations. This moderate approach estranged extremist groups; his vehicle was targeted with firebombing and his family faced death threats.

In 1974, Flynn introduced legislation to eliminate mandatory school attendance—a decision he later regretted during his 1983 mayoral campaign. He also advocated for increased state funding dedicated to students with special needs.

Prohibition on government-funded abortion

Together with State Representative Charles R. Doyle, Flynn co-sponsored legislation aimed at terminating government funding for abortions covered under Medicaid. Opponents formed the Abortion Action Coalition to support abortion rights. Although the bill passed through the legislature, Governor Michael Dukakis vetoed it. Later that year, Flynn and Doyle attached their measure as an amendment to a state pay raise bill, which was also vetoed. The "Flynn-Doyle amendment" eventually became law over Dukakis’ veto in 1978 after Flynn had transitioned to the Boston City Council.

However, in 1981, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that Medicaid-eligible women were constitutionally entitled to abortion funding, effectively invalidating the statute.

Failed 1975 bids for municipal office

In March 1975, Flynn announced his intention to run in the 1975 Boston mayoral election but withdrew by June, citing difficulties in raising sufficient funds. Subsequently, he sought a seat on the Boston City Council but was narrowly defeated in the November election by a margin of 1,467 votes.

Boston City Council tenure (1978–1984)

Flynn secured election to the Boston City Council in November 1977 and won reelection in both 1979 and 1981, leading the vote tally in the latter year. During his time on the council, he chaired several key committees including Housing and Neighborhood Development, Government Relations and Finance, as well as the Special Committee on School Matters.

Peter Dreier characterized Flynn’s political journey as transforming from a locally focused progressive figure into a citywide advocate. Renowned for his relentless work ethic, often described as an "18-hour-a-day workaholic," Flynn was recognized for his consistent engagement with constituents.

As a council member, Flynn stood against increases in utility rates and formed alliances with labor unions, welfare beneficiaries, and working women. He regularly introduced legislation aimed at strengthening tenants' rights; however, these proposals were repeatedly defeated, which he attributed to lobbying efforts by real estate interests, notably the Greater Boston Real Estate Board. By 1983, Flynn’s approach had adopted a populist tone emphasizing housing affordability, crime prevention, and support for vulnerable populations such as seniors and low-income residents.

He actively supported rent control measures and advocated for linkage fees obligating developers to fund affordable housing initiatives. Additionally, Flynn addressed concerns including noise pollution from aircraft and homelessness.

In October 1979, Flynn joined Joseph F. Timilty in intervening to protect an African American man from an aggressive crowd at Boston Common. In 1982, Flynn and Bruce Bolling were the sole councilors opposing the approval of a new district map for council representation.

1983 mayoral race

In April 1983, Flynn declared his candidacy for Boston’s mayoralty. During the October nonpartisan primary election, Flynn and State Representative Mel King advanced to the general election stage; King became the first African American to compete in a Boston mayoral general election. Both candidates were initially regarded as underdogs. Flynn ultimately prevailed over King in the final contest. The two had been childhood acquaintances and had served together as state representatives, maintaining a lifelong friendship despite their electoral competition.

Flynn’s campaign notably lacked substantial financial support from Boston’s business sector and he declined contributions from developers involved in active city projects or their legal representatives. Combined expenditures of both Flynn’s and King’s campaigns remained below $400,000—significantly less than the nearly $2 million spent by outgoing mayor Kevin White in prior campaigns.

Positioning himself as an advocate for impoverished and elderly citizens, Flynn appealed to minority voters across ethnic groups. While he had previously opposed gay rights, by this campaign he actively sought support from the increasingly organized political gay community.

Both candidates constructed progressive alliances committed to bridging ethnic divisions. In the five weeks leading up to the general election, they engaged in over fifty neighborhood forums. The campaign was largely peaceful with only isolated incidents of racial violence reported.

Mayoralty (1984–1993)

Flynn held the office of mayor from January 2, 1984, until his resignation on July 12, 1993. Throughout his administration, he was widely acknowledged as a well-liked mayor who consistently enjoyed strong approval ratings. In 1992, The New York Times referred to him as "one of the most popular mayors in Boston's history." Flynn maintained a visible public presence and was recognized for his energetic political engagement.

By 1998, Flynn had earned national recognition as an advocate for homeless populations and was locally known as a proactive politician who personally addressed emergency situations. As his mayoral term concluded, The Christian Science Monitor emphasized his direct leadership approach and public accessibility, while also noting mixed outcomes, particularly highlighting his attention to neighborhood quality-of-life concerns.

Reelection campaigns

Flynn secured reelection in both 1987 and 1991, each time winning more than two-thirds of the vote. His support was notably stronger in Black and Hispanic communities compared to White neighborhoods. In 1987, he carried every city ward except for South Boston, his hometown, likely due to his commitment to desegregate Boston Housing Authority developments that had been exclusively White. Although he had pledged in 1981 to limit himself to two terms, Flynn pursued a third term in 1991 with a low-key grassroots campaign that emphasized local connections and his success in maintaining a balanced city budget.

State, national, and international politics

Flynn contemplated a gubernatorial run in 1990 but withdrew amid controversies involving the police department, strained relationships with minority groups, and his anti-abortion views.

Nationally recognized for his expertise on urban challenges, Flynn chaired the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Task Force on Hunger and Homelessness in 1987, where he championed the McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act. He served as president of the Conference during 1991–92.

Flynn made multiple trips to South Africa to meet Nelson Mandela while Mandela was imprisoned and later welcomed him to Boston soon after Mandela’s release in 1990.

In the lead-up to the 1992 presidential election, Flynn was considered a possible Democratic vice presidential nominee. He unsuccessfully urged Mario Cuomo to enter the race and initially hesitated before endorsing Bill Clinton in June 1992. As a lifelong opponent of abortion, Flynn helped draw Catholic pro-life voters to Clinton’s campaign and actively campaigned for him in roughly half the states. Although he had previously opposed gun control measures, during his tenure as mayor Flynn supported legislation such as the Brady Bill.

Economic and fiscal matters

A 1989 report by the Boston Redevelopment Authority and other studies revealed significant discrimination by major banks in Boston regarding mortgage lending, employment practices, and branch placements. Partnering with community activists, Flynn led efforts pressuring banks for reform. He introduced a city-run "report card" evaluating bank performance and implemented a "linked deposit" strategy that redirected city funds away from underperforming banks toward those serving neighborhood needs. This initiative culminated in a $400 million community reinvestment agreement wherein banks committed to opening new branches, revising lending and hiring policies, and collaborating with community development corporations.

Initially regarded by state officials as inefficient, city government under Flynn’s leadership successfully advocated for a 1985 revenue package signed into law by Governor Dukakis that granted new local taxation powers. Confronted with a $40 million deficit at the start of his administration, Flynn balanced budgets every year thereafter, strengthened fiscal oversight, and elevated Boston’s bond rating annually to reach its highest level upon his departure. He also secured increased state funding and legislative authorization for new taxes aimed at addressing the fiscal shortfall.

During Flynn’s tenure, Boston experienced a notable economic recovery.

Education

By the time Flynn left office in 1993, he had significantly enhanced Boston's public school system, although the district's future remained uncertain.

In July 1991, Flynn achieved mayoral authority over the Boston School Committee, changing it from an elected panel to one whose members were appointed by the mayor starting January 1992. In 2023, then-mayor Michelle Wu issued a formal apology on behalf of Boston for the police actions’ detrimental effects on the African-American population, especially in Mission Hill, directly acknowledging Bennett and Alan Swanson as victims of wrongful suspicion.

In response to police department criticisms stemming from incidents such as the Stuart case, Flynn established the St. Clair Commission in May 1991 under the leadership of James D. St. Clair. The commission’s January 1992 report condemned mismanagement within the Boston Police and advised against renewing Police Commissioner Francis Roache’s appointment—Roache being Flynn’s longtime friend and ally since his appointment in 1985. Subsequently, Flynn named William Bratton as police commissioner upon Roache’s term expiration.

When Flynn left office in 1993, crime continued to pose a significant challenge for Boston.

Before Flynn’s administration, Boston had endured notable racial unrest during the 1970s. As mayor, Flynn took steps to foster racial integration within public housing developments. In 2023, Michael Jonas of Commonwealth magazine highlighted Flynn’s dedication to advancing racial reconciliation and bridging community divides throughout his time in office.

Urban development

Flynn took office during a period marked by considerable urban flight among the middle class. According to Peter Dreier, his election carried a populist mandate aimed at "sharing the prosperity" generated by Boston's downtown surge—particularly in employment opportunities and housing—with economically disadvantaged and working-class communities. His campaign emphasized housing issues, and once in office, Flynn deliberately distanced himself from real estate developers by declining their political donations.

Although the development market remained robust, Flynn was viewed as "pro-development" while placing greater emphasis on preserving neighborhood livability and addressing gentrification. His administration achieved an unprecedented output of new affordable housing units. It also doubled the linkage fee requirements imposed on downtown developers, raising in excess of $70 million to fund over 8,000 affordable housing units. Flynn introduced rent control measures and enhanced tenants' protections, which led to friction with landlords. Under the direction of Steve Coyle, the city's development policies incorporated "downzoning" strategies to manage growth and curb the "Manhattanization" of Boston’s historic districts. Despite these efforts, housing costs increased substantially during Flynn’s leadership.

The administration worked extensively with nonprofit organizations, empowering neighborhood groups with significant authority over planning and development decisions. A notable example was delegating urban renewal and eminent domain authority to the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative in Roxbury, enabling this community organization to oversee local redevelopment efforts.

Resignation and succession

In 1993, during his third term as mayor, Flynn stepped down after being appointed by President Clinton as United States Ambassador to the Holy See (the Vatican). Initially hesitant following his nomination in March, Flynn ultimately accepted the role after consultations with Clinton and officials from the State Department. The Senate confirmed his appointment unanimously in June, leading to his resignation on July 12, 1993.

Following Flynn’s nomination, it was anticipated that Boston City Council President Thomas Menino would assume the position of "acting mayor" according to the city charter. Although Flynn and Menino had been longtime friends, their relationship became strained during this transition period. A significant source of disagreement was Flynn’s preemptive hiring of 100 new police officers before Menino had officially taken office and pledged to do so himself.

Upon Flynn’s resignation on July 12, 1993, Menino took over as acting mayor and subsequently won the 1993 Boston mayoral election, officially becoming mayor.

Ambassador to the Holy See (1993–1997)

From September 2, 1993, until September 20, 1997, Flynn held the position of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Holy See. Appointed on July 1, 1993, he was notably the first Democrat to assume this role, officially presenting his credentials on September 2.

Under President Clinton's direction, Flynn's responsibilities extended beyond conventional diplomatic duties to encompass advocating for U.S. interests in international social and economic justice matters. He spearheaded relief operations following an earthquake in India and organized humanitarian assistance for countries including Bosnia, Haiti, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda. Flynn also played a part in facilitating the Good Friday Agreement and was instrumental in establishing formal diplomatic ties between Israel and the Holy See. Despite these achievements, his tenure was clouded by controversy. By 1998, analysts described his ambassadorship as both unconventional and contentious. Flynn received two formal reprimands from the State Department: one for publicly addressing U.S. domestic policies and another for delegating embassy staff to manage his family’s financial affairs.

Upon accepting the ambassadorial role, Flynn expressed intentions to reenter politics and possibly seek elected office again. He contemplated a gubernatorial campaign in Massachusetts in 1994 but ultimately withdrew in April of that year.

During his time as ambassador, investigations scrutinized Flynn’s previous mayoral campaign committee. In February 1996, he acknowledged improper use of campaign funds and agreed to reimburse $12,500. The Massachusetts attorney general considered pursuing civil charges against him. Furthermore, Flynn’s former campaign bookkeeper was convicted of embezzlement, while a senior aide admitted guilt to bribery charges linked to Flynn’s mayoral administration. These developments resulted in damaging media attention.

In early 1997, Flynn pursued a position as an athletic director at a Boston university but did not secure the role despite endorsement from then-Mayor Thomas Menino. Governor Bill Weld expressed interest in appointing him to state commissions or compensated positions. In September 1997, Flynn declared his candidacy for governor in the 1998 election and stepped down from his ambassadorial post two weeks afterward.

On October 3, 1997, The Boston Globe published an article criticizing Flynn’s diplomatic effectiveness and alleging a long-term struggle with alcohol abuse. The piece included eyewitness accounts of intoxication during a visit to Boston. Flynn attributed the report to political opposition related to his gubernatorial campaign and perceived bias against his personal background. This coverage significantly harmed his public reputation. In response, Flynn defended himself during an April 1998 interview on 60 Minutes.

1998 congressional campaign

Following his tenure as ambassador, Flynn contemplated a bid for the Massachusetts governorship in 1998. He declared his candidacy early that year but encountered obstacles such as limited financial backing and a firm anti-abortion position in a state that largely favored pro-choice policies. His strong association with Boston politics further complicated his chances of securing a statewide victory, making his gubernatorial aspirations unlikely.

When Joseph P. Kennedy II opted not to run for reelection, Flynn redirected his efforts toward the 1998 contest for Massachusetts's 8th congressional district. He officially joined the Democratic primary in June but was defeated in September by Somerville Mayor Mike Capuano, who went on to win the general election. Flynn finished second, capturing approximately 18% of the vote.

Among ten candidates in the primary, Flynn stood out as the sole anti-abortion contender. His campaign prominently displayed images of Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa. Garnering grassroots support, he received endorsements from local chapters of the International Longshoremen's Association and Iron Workers unions. Although initially considered an early favorite with leading poll numbers, Flynn was ultimately overtaken by Capuano’s late momentum.

During this period, Ceci Connolly of The Washington Post observed that Flynn’s brand of traditional urban populism seemed misaligned with the evolving suburban New Democrat politics, restricting his appeal among a shifting liberal voter base.

Later career

In 2001, Flynn briefly explored entering the special election for Massachusetts's 9th congressional district but withdrew, throwing his support behind State Senator Stephen Lynch, who subsequently won the seat.

While he did not pursue elected office again, Flynn stayed engaged in political matters. In 2004, he unsuccessfully contested the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's decision that legalized same-sex marriage. During Boston’s 2009 mayoral race, he and former rival Mel King endorsed Michael Flaherty against incumbent Thomas Menino. Flynn also demonstrated bipartisan tendencies: as president of Catholic Alliance, he backed Republican George W. Bush in 2000; he voted for Republican Scott Brown in the 2010 Senate election and supported Brown’s 2012 reelection bid; and he endorsed Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential race. He has publicly addressed U.S.–Holy See relations, notably criticizing Caroline Kennedy’s abortion views during her ambassadorial nomination and opposing proposals to relocate the U.S. Embassy to the Vatican.

After leaving office, Flynn pursued various media roles: hosting a radio program on WRKO in 1998, contributing regularly to The Pilot since 2014, and penning columns for the Boston Herald beginning in 2017.

Flynn took leadership roles in Catholic advocacy organizations such as Catholic Alliance starting in 1999, Your Catholic Voice, and later founded Catholic Citizenship as its national chairman. These groups focus on promoting Catholic doctrine beyond partisan affiliations. Since 2004, he has been a member of the advisory board for Catholics for the Common Good.

In 2013, Flynn supported a lawsuit filed by the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council challenging a city-approved zoning variance—a contentious case that was eventually dismissed due to lack of standing.

In 2024, Flynn endorsed Erin Murphy in the Democratic primary for clerk of the Suffolk Supreme Judicial Court. This contest underscored tensions between Boston’s progressive leaders and its conservative "old guard," with Murphy representing traditional political interests opposed by Mayor Michelle Wu’s supporters backing Allison Cartwright.

Personal life

Flynn is married to Catherine (known as Kathy) Coyne, and together they have six children: Ray Jr., Edward, Julie, Nancy, Katie, and Maureen. In November 2017, his son Edward M. Flynn secured a seat on the Boston City Council. Flynn remains a resident of South Boston.

During his tenure as mayor, Flynn made a guest appearance portraying himself in a 1989 episode of the Boston-based sitcom Cheers. He was also passionate about running, having completed the 1984 Boston Marathon in a time of 4:23:54 and the New York City Marathon in 3:59:46.

In March 2007, Flynn was honored as the grand marshal for the 246th New York St. Patrick's Day Parade. Later that May, he was inducted into the College of Fellows at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley, California, which conferred upon him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

In his later years, Flynn faced several health challenges including hospitalization after collapsing during a speaking engagement in 2008. Additionally, in 2011 his home was burglarized resulting in the loss of valuable possessions. He underwent hip replacement surgery following a fall in April 2021 and sustained a neck injury from another fall in December 2021.

Political views

Throughout his political journey, Flynn was regarded as an "economic liberal" combined with "cultural conservative" tendencies. His stances shifted over time; he endorsed Republican candidates in tightly contested races such as George W. Bush (2000), Scott Brown (2010 and 2012), and Mitt Romney (2012). Early in his career, Flynn opposed court-mandated school desegregation busing and maintained a consistent anti-abortion position. Initially resistant to gun control measures, he later supported such policies during his mayoralty. Although he originally opposed gay rights, by the time of his first mayoral campaign he actively sought backing from the LGBTQ+ community. Nonetheless, he opposed same-sex marriage and initiated legal action after Massachusetts legalized it in 2004. Flynn stood against Reagan-era reductions to federal revenue sharing with municipalities and advocated for wealth redistribution during his populist mayoral tenure.

Honors

In February 2016, the Boston Marine Industrial Park was renamed the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park, with an adjacent bridge also bearing his name. Governor Charlie Baker dedicated Flynn Cruiseport Boston at the Port of Boston in May 2017. Flynn has been recognized with numerous civic awards including the B'nai B'rith International Humanitarian Award, Martin Luther King Jr. Award, and the Boys Club of America "Man of the Year Award." In 2019, A Better City presented him with a "Lifetime Achievement" award; then-mayor Marty Walsh lauded Flynn’s leadership on both national and international stages while championing Boston’s working-class communities.

State representative

1970

1972

1974

1976

City council

1975 Boston City Council election
Candidates	Preliminary election		General election
	Votes	%	Votes	%
Louise Day Hicks (incumbent)	46,030	8.86	82,050	8.97
Christopher A. Iannella (incumbent)	35,793	6.69	71,484	7.82
James Michael Connolly (incumbent)	25,536	4.92	71,157	7.78
Albert L. O'Neil (incumbent)	38,203	7.36	66,583	7.28
Lawrence S. DiCara (incumbent)	32,119	6.18	62,247	6.81
John J. Kerrigan	35,117	6.76	60,581	6.62
Frederick C. Langone (incumbent)	27,579	5.31	60,238	6.59
Patrick F. McDonough (incumbent)	22,464	4.32	57,968	6.34
Joseph M. Tierney (incumbent)	33,700	6.49	57,003	6.23
Raymond L. Flynn	27,754	5.34	55,536	6.07
Gerald F. O'Leary (incumbent)	33,653	6.48	55,390	6.06
Jack Cole	22,542	4.34	53,176	5.81
Clarence E. Dilday	14,774	2.84	34,531	3.78
Franx X. Curley	14,661	align="right]2.82' align=right|' '32,339 align=right|' '3.54 - {| class=wikitable !Candidates !Preliminary election votes !Preliminary election % !General election votes !General election % |-

Mayoral

1983 Boston mayoral election
Candidates	Preliminary election		Final election
Votes	%	Votes	%
Raymond Flynn	48,118	28.86	128,578	65.07
Mel King	47,848	28.70	69,015	34.93
David Finnegan	41,657	24.99
Lawrence DiCara	15,148	9.09
Dennis J. Kearney	10,992	6.59
Frederick C. Langone	2,262	1.36
Bob Kiley	316	0.19
Michael Gelber	207	0.12
Eloise Linger	168	0.10

1987 Boston mayoral election
Candidates	Preliminary election		Final election
Votes	%	Votes	%
Raymond Flynn (incumbent)	42,366	70.39	63,714	67.47
Joseph M. Tierney	16,257	27.01	30,714	32.52
Joel San Juan	1,083	1.08
Richard A. Black	484	0.80

1991 Boston mayoral election
Candidates	Preliminary election		Final election
Votes	%	Votes	%
Raymond Flynn (incumbent)	43,123	67.29	63,582	74.58
Edward J. Doherty	12,281	19.16	21,659	25.41
Graylan Ellis-Hagler	8,682	13.55

College basketball statistics

Season	Team	Games Played (GP)	Minutes Per Game (MPG)	Field Goal Percentage (FG%)	Free Throw Percentage (FT%)	Rebounds Per Game (RPG)	Assists Per Game (APG)	Steals (STL)	Blocks (BLK)	Points Per Game (PPG)
1960–61	Providence College	28		.401	.765	1.4		—	—	5.8
1961–62	Providence College	26		.451	.755	'3.0'		—	—	'12.8'
1962–63 NCAA University Division men's basketball season#1962–63	(1962–63)	Providence College| 28|	.497| .797| 2.4|	—	— 18.9|

Career totals:

	82		.464		.777		2.3		—		—		12.5

Source:

Bibliography

Flynn collaborated on two published works:

• The Accidental Pope: A Novel (2000), co-written with Robin Moore, released by St. Martin's Press
• John Paul II: A Personal Portrait of the Pope and the Man (2001), co-authored with Robin Moore and James Vrabel, issued by St. Martin's Griffin

See also

• 1971–1972 Massachusetts legislature
• 1973–1974 Massachusetts legislature
• 1974–1975 Massachusetts legislature
• 1975–1976 Massachusetts legislature
• 1977–1978 Massachusetts legislature
• Timeline of Boston, covering the 1980s and 1990s

External links

• Guide to the Mayor Raymond L. Flynn records at cityofboston.gov
• Ray Flynn biography hosted by the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology