Steve LeBron
Associated Press
State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz
BOSTON (AP) — State Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz said on June 23 that she will end her campaign for Massachusetts governor, leaving state Attorney General Maura Maura Healey becomes the only viable Democrat still in the race.
Announcing a year after she announced her candidacy, Chang-Diaz said she would turn her attention to ensuring “candidates who share her values and put courage above politics” are elected.
“I will spend my time campaigning and rallying my supporters and the movement we’ve built for these brave Democrats who are on the road when it comes to our values,” she said in the statement. I have no doubt that they will fight for courage in our state’s politics, and I will use my energy to help them get into office.”
Chang-Diaz’s name will remain on the Sept. 6 primary ballot.
Two Republicans are vying for their party’s support in the September primary: Former state Rep. Geoff Diehl, who has the backing of former President Donald Trump, and Wrentham Business owner Chris Doughty has never held public office before. Republican Gov. Charlie Baker is not seeking a third term.
Healey said she hopes to continue working with Chang-Diaz.
“I am very grateful to Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz for her years of service to Massachusetts and her inspiring leadership during the campaign,” Healy said in a written statement. “The legacy of her campaign will live on through the young girls who finally see themselves represented among the candidates for the state’s highest office.”
Republicans remaining in the race said Chandiaz’s decision would help widen the gap between their candidacy and Healey’s.
“Her withdrawal from the race makes my vision now for Massachusetts to be a better place to live and work, and Morahili’s policy will prompt more families and businesses to leave our state to look elsewhere for more Great opportunity,” Deere said in a statement.
Doughty, who is challenging Deere for the GOP nomination, said it was clear that Healy had “taken Sonia out of the race and left Democratic voters with no choice.”
“We believe voters should have a choice in elections, not coronations,” Doughty said in a statement. “With (Chang-Diaz) out of the race, it becomes more critical for Republicans to select the candidate most likely to defeat Maura Healey.”
Chang-Diaz is the daughter of a social worker and the country’s first Latino astronaut, Franklin Chang-Diaz. In 2008, she was elected the state’s first Latino state senator. If elected, she would be the first Latino and Asian American to hold the governorship.
She would also be the first woman elected governor of Massachusetts, a title that would now belong to Healey if she wins.
If elected, Healey would also be the first openly gay candidate to serve in the state’s top political office.
