Setti D. Warren, the director of Harvard’s Institute of Politics and former mayor of Newton, Mass., died suddenly at his home on Sunday, 02 November, 2025. He was 55.
Harvard Kennedy School Dean Jeremy M. Weinstein and Harvard College Dean David J. Deming announced his death in an email to HKS and College affiliates Sunday afternoon. They called Warren a “visionary and tireless leader” and credited him with fostering debate at Harvard.
Setti Warren Age
As of now, Setti Warren is 55 years old.
Setti Warren’s Educational Qualification
He completed elementary education at the private school Jackson Walnut Park in Newton and then attended Newton North High School. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in history in 1993. He received a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School’s night classes in 2006.
Setti Warren Navy service
Warren enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve in 2003. Around the same time, he joined the presidential campaign of U.S. Senator John Kerry and worked as his trip director. After the election, Warren became deputy director of Kerry’s Massachusetts office. Around this time, he served partial terms on the Newton Community Preservation Committee and Economic Development Commission.
In October 2007, Warren left Kerry’s office to serve as a naval intelligence specialist in Iraq. Before leaving, he assembled a committee to explore his candidacy for mayor of Newton. During his training in South Carolina in late 2007, his committee filed papers for his election.
Setti Warren Mayor of Newton
Setti Warren’s path to becoming Mayor of Newton began in May 2008 when the incumbent mayor, David Cohen, decided not to seek re-election, creating an open field not seen since 1971.
Warren, then an active-duty Naval Intelligence Specialist on leave from Iraq, declared his intent to run in June 2008. Due to Department of Defense regulations forbidding active-duty service members from seeking elected office, his official campaign announcement was delayed until November 2008, after he completed his tour of duty.
He formally announced his candidacy with a pledge to “protect the sacred trust between the citizens in this city and public servants.”
Setti Warren Campaigns
2012 U.S. Senate Campaign: Warren announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate on May 9, 2011, but dropped out of the race on September 29, 2011, citing a lack of a clear path to victory.
He subsequently endorsed the eventual Democratic nominee, Elizabeth Warren, and later regretted running so early into his term as mayor of Newton.
2018 Massachusetts Gubernatorial Campaign: On May 20, 2017, he announced his run for Governor of Massachusetts, focusing his campaign on issues like income inequality, single-payer healthcare, free college tuition, and a high-speed rail project.
He ended his campaign on April 26, 2018, due to the perceived “insurmountable” challenge of raising the necessary money and resources to defeat the incumbent governor.
Setti Warren’s Personal Life
Warren’s first marriage ended in divorce. Warren later married Elizabeth Tasker “Tassy” Plummer on August 12, 2006, with John Kerry serving as his groomsman.
Setti Warren Reddit
Setti Warren, former Newton mayor and leading political voice, dies at 55
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Setti Warren Wife
Setti Warren’s wife’s name is Elizabeth Tasker “Tassy” Plummer, whom he married on August 12, 2006.
Setti Warren Children
Setti Warren and Elizabeth Tasker had 2 children, one daughter named Abigail and a son named John.
Setti Warren Obituary
There is currently no public information available about when the memorial or funeral service for Setti Warren will be held.
