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New poll shows John Connolly ahead in Boston mayoral race

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) – The Boston mayoral race has been neck-and-neck with the latest poll by Suffolk University and The Boston Herald showing City Councilor John Connolly out in front of Rep. Marty Walsh.

The poll, which was released Monday, is the first done between just the two candidates. Connolly garnered 41 percent of votes while Walsh trailed with 34 percent. Twenty-three percent of voters said they were still undecided.

Suffolk pollster David Paleologos told FOX 25 Connolly has taken the lead because he has more female supporters on his side.

"The biggest glaring difference in this race right now is gender. If you look at women, Connolly is winning by 14 points among women, and he trails by one among men. So the margin in this race is gender," Paleologos said.

In a statement, the Connolly campaign called the poll results "great news," adding they're "focused on talking to voters every day about the issues that are important to them, including improving public schools, building safe and healthy neighborhoods, and creating jobs in every neighborhood across the city."

FOX 25's Sharman Sacchetti talked with Walsh during FOX 25's debut of its 5 p.m. newscast.

Walsh said he is planning on making up the difference with women. Additionally, Walsh unveiled a plan for making Boston Public Schools better. However, he would not comment on who he would appoint next police commissioner or superintendent.

The Boston mayoral election will be held on Nov. 5.