Massachusetts State Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz announced on Thursday she is dropping out of the race for governor, leaving Attorney General Maura Healey unopposed on the Democratic ballot.
Chang-Diaz consistently trilled Healey in public polling and fund-raising and failed to gain traction among establishment Democrats as well as members of her own Senate caucus. “I have looked at the numbers every which way,” Chang-Diaz said. “Unfortunately, there is no path I can responsibly lead my supporters on that results in me becoming governor this year.”
Chang-Diaz delivered her announcement less than three weeks after she qualified for the ballot at the Democratic Part state convention. She captured less than 30% of the delegates votes.
Chang-Diaz will remain on the ballot for the September primary, but no longer plans to actively campaign.
“I am going to be spending my time campaigning and marshaling my supporters and the movement we’ve built for these Courage Democrats down ballot, candidates who walk the walk when it comes to our values,” Chang-Diaz said in a statement. “I have no doubt that they will fight to put courage over politics in our state, and I am going to be using my energy to help put them into office.”
Chang-Diaz said she will now shift her attention toward supporting five down-ballot “Courage Democrats.”
“In addition to helping courageous candidates win down ballot, our campaign will be working to drive up voter registration and turnout in communities that have long been overlooked,” Chang-Díaz said. “This is an important part of how we keep building power for years to come.”