Chang-Diaz ends campaign for governor in 2022

Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz announced she will no longer campaign for Governor of Massachusetts at a press conference in Jamaica Plain. Jesse Costa/WBUR photo

Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz ended her campaign for governor on Thursday, leaving Attorney General Maura Healey as the only active contender for the Democratic nomination.

Democrats endorsed Healey over Chang-Díaz with 71 percent of the delegate vote at their nominating convention earlier this month, and Healey has also collected a slew of high-profile endorsements including from legislative leaders Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ron Mariano.

A senator since 2009 and a leading voice in education funding reform efforts, Chang-Díaz opted not to run for reelection to the Senate in order to pursue the office. Her announcement leaves Healey with a clear path ahead of the Sept. 6 primary, after which the attorney general would face the winner of a Republican contest between Chris Doughty and former Rep. Geoff Diehl.

Chang-Díaz is the second woman and candidate of color to depart the Democratic primary for governor, following Danielle Allen.

Chang-Díaz said her name will remain on the ballot but that she will turn her focus to "campaigning and marshaling my supporters and the movement we've built" toward a group of down-ballot candidates who she said "walk the walk when it comes to our values."


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