Boston mayoral candidate Josh Kraft Tuesday failed to explain how he could recuse himself from conflicts of interest involving the city of Boston and his family’s multi-pronged business if elected, potentially adding to concerns about the financial implications of his bid to lead the city.

Kraft, who is the son of billionaire Patriots and New England Revolution owner Robert Kraft, has previously headed the Kraft family’s philanthropic efforts through the Patriots Foundation. Even though Kraft has only worked the nonprofit side, his family’s business operation periodically interacts with regional politics: Two recent examples include ongoing negotiations over the World Cup 2026 matches at Gillette Stadium, which the Krafts own, and the New England Revolution’s proposed stadium in Everett.

Josh Kraft has previously vowed to recuse himself from all family business if he mounted a successful challenge to Mayor Michelle Wu. But, in his first appearance on GBH’s Boston Public Radio Tuesday, Kraft could not clarify how a potential recusal arrangement would work.

“If you’re mayor right now during this process, how do you recuse yourself?” asked co-host Jim Braude, noting the ongoing Everett Stadium negotiations.

“I recuse myself,” Kraft said.

“What does that mean? Who makes the decision for the city?” Braude interjected.

“Chief Financial Officer, Chief Legal People,” Kraft responded.

“They’re constitutionally empowered?” Braude pressed further.

“That I could not answer, Jim,” Kraft said.

Kraft also acknowledged that his father has likely helped to raise money for his campaign by asking friends to contribute.

“He’s a dad, right?” said Kraft. “I mean, I’d do that for my kid.”

Kraft received donations from several of the top attorneys with the law firm Paul Weiss shortly after his father arranged a meeting between the Trump administration and the firm.

The firm has recently come under fire for making a deal with the Trump administration in an attempt to quell a potential federal investigation over its diversity, equity and inclusion policies. The law firm will provide $40 million in pro bono legal services that are Trump administration priorities under the deal.

Asked by co-host Margery Eagan whether he would return donations from lawyers affiliated with the law firm Paul Weiss, Kraft said “No.” 

“That’s unusual that that law firm partners would donate to campaigns,” said Eagan, who later asked again: “So, you’re not going to return the money from the Paul Weiss people?”

“No,” said Kraft.

Kraft reiterated his frequent criticism of how Wu deployed bike lanes in stretches across the city and that he is running to help people in Boston who don’t feel their concerns are heard by the Wu administration.

He will face Wu and other mayoral candidates in a forum organized by a coalition of Democratic ward committees Thursday, May 15.