Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker announced Wednesday he won’t seek a third term, creating a wide open contest for governor next year.
In a statement, Baker said it was a difficult decision. But he and Lt. Gov. Karen Polito have decided not to seek re-election.
“We love the work,” he said. “Serving as Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts has been the most challenging and fulfilling jobs we’ve ever had.”
Baker, 65, a popular Republican, said that he believes he and Polito can best steer the state over the next year without the distraction of a re-election campaign.
“This next year needs to be about recovery, not about politics,” he said.
Former state Rep. Geoff Diehl has already announced he is running as a Republican candidate.
Three Democrats have also announced plans to run for governor: state Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz, Harvard professor Danielle Allen and former state Sen. Ben Downing. Another prominent Democratic elected official, Attorney General Maura Healey, has yet to announce whether she will enter the race.
The job has likely put a strain on Baker’s family. Over the years, critics have shown up at his Swampscott home to protest various policies, with protests against Baker’s vaccine and mask positions intensifying during the pandemic.
This is a breaking news post and will be updated.
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