Economic Development Commission. He resigned each mid-term as his career with Kerry developed. In October 2007, Warren left Kerry's office to serve as Naval intelligence specialist in Iraq. Before leaving, he assembled a committee to explore a candidacy for mayor of Newton. While he was on training in South Carolina in late 2007, his committee filed papers for his election. Mayor of Newton Newton Mayor David Cohen announced that he would not seek re-election in May 2008, leaving an open field, which had not occurred in Newton since 1971. Warren, on leave from Iraq in June 2008, declared his intent to run. His campaign was forestalled until he completed his tour of duty the following October, as Department of Defense regulations forbid active duty service men from seeking elected office. In November 2008, Warren formally announced his candidacy, pledging to "protect the sacred trust between the citizens in this city and public servants." During the campaign Warren emphasized his record with FEMA, including the management of civil servants. Warren was elected November 3, 2009 in a vote of 11,233 to 10,772, defeating State Representative Ruth Balser. Warren took office on January 1, 2010. Warren faced re-election on November 5, 2013. The field of four candidates was narrowed down to two in a primary election on September 17, 2013. In the general election, Warren defeated Newton Alderman Ted Hess-Mahan. Engine 6 Controversy In June 2013, Warren announced that he would block funding for a controversial proposal to construct affordable housing on Beacon Street in Waban for formerly homeless people. The proposal, called Engine 6, was privately developed and expected to cost $3.1 million; developers had requested about $1.4 million in federal funds managed by the city of Newton to move ahead, but Warren's withdrawal of funding halted future plans for construction. U.S. Senate campaign, 2012 On May 9, 2011, Setti Warren announced his candidacy to represent Massachusetts in the United States Senate in the 2012 election. On September 29, 2011, Warren dropped out of the race, declaring "I no longer believe I have a clear path to victory in this race". He endorsed eventual Democratic nominee, Elizabeth Warren. He later expressed regret at running for Senate just two years into his mayoral term, saying "I ran too early." Massachusetts gubernatorial campaign, 2018 On May 20, 2017, Warren announced he was running for Governor of Massachusetts. In front of his home and