Former director of Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics (IOP) Setti Warren has died at age 55, on November 2, 2025, which has left both the alumni and students heartbroken.
Setti Warren, the former mayor of Newton, Massachusetts, alongside the director of IOP of Harvard Kennedy School, was found dead at his home, as confirmed by the Harvard Kennedy School, which described his passing as “sudden,” while no further medical details were provided.
For the unversed, Harvard Kennedy School is considered the hub for student engagement in politics and public service.
Warren has always stressed open dialogue and respecting viewpoints of the opponents; once in an interview in 2023, he said, “If we want to get our young people ready to lead, they have to be able to have dialogue and understand perspectives.”
Under the dynamic leadership of Setti Warren, the IOP hosted numerous influential voices of world leaders such as former U.S. president Joe Biden, Mike Pence, John Bolton (former Trump adviser), and (former vice presidential candidate) Tim Walz, spotlighting his dedication to portraying multiple narratives and shaping students for real-world future political leadership.
Before stepping into Harvard, Setti Warren made history as the first popularly elected African American mayor in Massachusetts while heading Newton City from 2010 to 2018.
Setti Warren married Elizabeth Tasker “Tassy” in 2006.
Together, the couple raised two children, Abigail and John, and was known as the power couple determined to do public service.
The sudden death of Setti Warren left a lasting vacuum in both public service and academic leadership.
From his astonishing political career to his dynamic mentorship at Harvard, his legacy will continue to shine on students, civic leaders, and colleagues.
Warren was widely recognized as someone who has been instrumental in turning the IOP into a center of mentorship, student engagement, and dialogue, thus leaving a legacy that will be remembered for a long time.
