Democrat Ben Downing to Run for Massachusetts Governor
Former state Senator Ben Downing has announced he is entering the 2022 race for governor of Massachusetts.
Downing, a Democrat born and raised in Pittsfield, said he will run "to build a fairer, stronger Massachusetts." Downing is the first person to declare candidacy in the governor's race. Republican Governor Charlie Baker has not yet revealed if he will seek a third term.
In a video released this morning, Downing said he will work for the state's forgotten regions.
“Growing up in Pittsfield, I lived what it meant to be an afterthought in the state’s political power circles,” said Downing. “Now, as an East Boston resident, I’m part of a new community just as familiar with being written off." Downing said he has lived "in communities that have had to fight harder than they should to get fair representation, equitable access to resources, and attention from Beacon Hill."