Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker (R) handily won the state’s Republican gubernatorial primary yesterday defeating his far-right, oft-controversial challenger, Scott Lively (R). Republican Governor Baker is quite popular in the state, particularly among Democrats. He is touting the state’s growing workforce and household income, increased public school funding, and handling of the opioid epidemic. He is also running far away from President Trump – distancing himself and his Administration’s policies from the White House.
The moderate Governor Baker will face Jay Gonzalez (D) in the general election. Gonzales served as Secretary of Administration and Finance in the Deval Patrick Administration and has campaigned on both his state government experience and progressive issues. He has also pledged affordable childcare and pre-K, single-payer health care, and campaign finance reform. Current polling has Governor Baker winning re-election in November.
Attorney General Maura Healy (D) did not have a challenger in the Democratic primary for attorney general and is expected to defeat James McMahon (R) in the general.
Representative Jeffrey Sanchez (D) will no longer chair the powerful Ways and Means Committee as he and the Assistant Majority Leader Representative Byron Rushing (D) lost their primaries.