Charlie Baker is done. After two terms as the only statewide-elected Republican official in Massachusetts, Charlie Baker will not seek a third term as Governor. This may not come as a surprise to some; Baker has been at odds with the state GOP, especially chair Jim Lyons. Enough so, that a primary was brought against him in Geoff Deihl.
That is not necessarily the reason Baker is done. Truly, what it seems like is Baker is tired of being Governor. The last two years specifically, filled with COVID response, seems to have burned him out. That leaves the Governor’s seat in Massachusetts open for the first time sine 2014. Baker’s Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, who was expected to run if Baker didn’t, also announced her retirement. That leaves Republicans in Massachusetts with only Diehl, who has said he does not necessarily believe in the legitimacy of the 2020 election. Not a big winning formula in Massachusetts.
Where does that leave Democrats?
For Democrats, the obvious option seems to be Attorney General Maura Healy. However, according to one of my sources, this may not end up being the case. As reported earlier this week, current Labor Secretary Marty Walsh has not yet moved to DC. He has instead commuted from Boston since his confirmation.
My source has told me that Walsh is strongly considering a run for Governor. That would likely bring massive union support towards Walsh, and even more key, potentially a Biden endorsement. That leaves Healy, who was waiting on Baker already, possibly waiting on a decision from Walsh. If Walsh does run, some would argue that makes him the immediate favorite. Others say that Healy, if she were to enter after Walsh, would still have a chance.
No matter what, today was a day of change in Massachusetts politically, and what happens in the aftermath will decide how the state goes for likely the next decade.