Gov. Charlie Baker announces he will not seek third term in 2022

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker will not seek a third term in office, according to a statement from his office, forcing the Republican Party to defend an open gubernatorial seat next year in a deep blue state.

"After several months of discussion with our families, we have decided not to seek re- election in 2022," Baker and his lieutenant governor, Karyn Polito, said in a statement on Wednesday. "This was an extremely difficult decision for us. We love the work, and we especially respect and admire the people of this wonderful Commonwealth.

Baker, who defied the political bent of the commonwealth by winning his first term in 2014 and reelection in 2018, represented the best chance for Republicans to hold on to the governor's mansion in Massachusetts. But the governor had drawn the ire of former President Donald Trump, who endorsed conservative Republican Geoff Diehl.

"He's done," said a source familiar with Baker's plans. "When Massachusetts Republicans get a Democrat governor, they can thank their beloved Donald Trump."

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/massachusetts-gov-charlie-baker-announces-he-will-not-seek-third-term-in-2022/ar-AARlNPQ