Sonia Chang-Díaz ends campaign for Mass. governor

State Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz announced Thursday she is ending her campaign for Massachusetts governor.

At an early morning press conference, Chang-Díaz told reporters she does not see a path to victory in the state's gubernatorial race. Ahead of the Democratic primary set for September, Chang-Díaz was viewed as the clear underdog in the race against Attorney General Maura Healey.

Chang-Díaz said she will remain on the ballot, but will no longer campaign for the role. Instead, she said, her focus will shift to elevating down-ballot Democratic candidates with similar values.

“The reality is, this race has always been about more than just me. It’s been about all of us coming together and building a movement for courage and urgency in this state,” she said in a statement. “A good leader calls the question and focuses resources not just on themselves — but on the best way to build our power and win real change for the long-term."

From Jamaica Plain, Chang-Díaz was the first Latina and first Asian American elected to the state Senate. She was also the first woman of color to reach the gubernatorial ballot.