Massachusetts GOP Gov. Charlie Baker Refuses To Endorse, Campaign With Nominee Diehl

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker of Massachusetts will not endorse GOP nominee Geoffrey Diehl, per a statement from Baker’s spokesperson released on Sept. 7.

The announcement came through Jim Conroy, Baker’s former campaign manager, one day after Massachusetts held its gubernatorial primary for November’s election. Diehl, a Trump-endorsed former state representative from the 7th District, representing Plymouth, won the Republican primary with 55.7% of the vote against moderate businessman Chris Doughty, who gained 44.3% in a two-way race.

Speaking to The Hill that Conroy said that “The Governor and Lt. Governor [Karyn Polito] said months ago they don’t plan to get involved in the gubernatorial election so they can focus solely on finishing strong.” 

Baker, who in December of 2021 declined to seek re-election, was indeed previously asked about his preferred gubernatorial successor. In response to a question from GBH News’ Boston Public Radio, he said in July, “I don’t know. … I have a lot of work to do, and I have a day job.”