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Gov. Charlie Baker speaking during a press conference in November. Photo: Jonathan Wiggs/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R), a moderate who typically ranks as one of the nation’s most popular governors, and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito (R) announced Wednesday that they will not seek third terms in 2022.
Why it matters: The decision leaves the gubernatorial race wide open and will likely affect multiple down-ballot races next year. Baker was expected to be the front-runner had he joined the race.
What they’re saying: “After several months of discussion with our families, we have decided not to seek re-election in 2022,” Baker and Polito said in a statement.
- “Serving as Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts has been the most challenging and fulfilling jobs we’ve ever had. We will forever be grateful to the people of this state for giving us this great honor,” they added.
The big picture: Throughout the Trump administration and the coronavirus pandemic, Baker distanced himself from national Republican issues, such as opposing vaccine mandates and showing public loyalty to former President Trump.
- Because of this, Baker usually has a higher approval rating with state Democrats and independents than with Republicans.
- If Baker ran for re-election and won, he would have been the first Massachusetts governor to serve three consecutive four-year terms.
Go deeper: Massachusetts’ Charlie Baker joins governors facing COVID criticism
Sign up for our daily briefingMake your busy days simpler with Axios AM/PM. Catch up on what’s new and why it matters in just 5 minutes.Catch up on the day’s biggest business storiesSubscribe to Axios Closer for insights into the day’s business news and trends and why they matterSign up for Axios Pro RataDive into the world of dealmakers across VC, PE and M&A with Axios Pro Rata. Delivered daily to your inbox by Dan Primack and Kia Kokalitcheva.Sports news worthy of your timeBinge on the stats and stories that drive the sports world with Axios Sports. Sign up for free.Tech news worthy of your timeGet our smart take on technology from the Valley and D.C. with Axios Login. Sign up for free.Get the inside storiesGet an insider’s guide to the new White House with Axios Sneak Peek. Sign up for free.Catch up on coronavirus stories and special reports, curated by Mike Allen everydayCatch up on coronavirus stories and special reports, curated by Mike Allen everydayWant a daily digest of the top Denver news?Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios DenverWant a daily digest of the top Des Moines news?Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Des MoinesWant a daily digest of the top Twin Cities news?Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Twin CitiesWant a daily digest of the top Tampa Bay news?Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Tampa BayWant a daily digest of the top Charlotte news?Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios CharlotteWant a daily digest of the top Nashville news?Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with the Axios Nashville newsletter.Want a daily digest of the top Columbus news?Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with the Axios Columbus newsletter.Want a daily digest of the top Dallas news?Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with the Axios Dallas newsletter.Want a daily digest of the top Austin news?Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with the Axios Austin newsletter.Want a daily digest of the top Atlanta news?Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with the Axios Atlanta newsletter.Want a daily digest of the top Philadelphia news?Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with the Axios Philadelphia newsletter.Want a daily digest of the top Chicago news?Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with the Axios Chicago newsletter.Sign up for Axios NW ArkansasStay up-to-date on the most important and interesting stories affecting NW Arkansas, authored by local reportersWant a daily digest of the top DC news?Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with the Axios DC newsletter.Gov. Charlie Baker speaking during a press conference in November. Photo: Jonathan Wiggs/The Boston Globe via Getty ImagesMassachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R), a moderate who typically ranks as one of the nation’s most popular governors, and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito (R) announced Wednesday that they will not seek third terms in 2022.Why it matters: The decision leaves the gubernatorial race wide open and will likely affect multiple down-ballot races next year. Baker was expected to be the front-runner had he joined the race.What they’re saying: “After several months of discussion with our families, we have decided not to seek re-election in 2022,” Baker and Polito said in a statement.”Serving as Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts has been the most challenging and fulfilling jobs we’ve ever had. We will forever be grateful to the people of this state for giving us this great honor,” they added.The big picture: Throughout the Trump administration and the coronavirus pandemic, Baker distanced himself from national Republican issues, such as opposing vaccine mandates and showing public loyalty to former President Trump.Because of this, Baker usually has a higher approval rating with state Democrats and independents than with Republicans.If Baker ran for re-election and won, he would have been the first Massachusetts governor to serve three consecutive four-year terms.Go deeper: Massachusetts’ Charlie Baker joins governors facing COVID criticism
