Ex-Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick plans 2020 US presidential bid
- Move by popular moderate with close ties to Obama injects new layer of uncertainty into contest less than three months before first votes
- Official announcement expected before Friday, the filing deadline for New Hampshire primary
Former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick is telling allies that he will join the 2020 presidential race, according to two people familiar with his plans. An official announcement is expected before Friday, the filing deadline for the New Hampshire primary.
His move injects a new layer of uncertainty into the contest less than three months before the first votes. Patrick, a popular two-term Democratic governor with a moderate bearing and close ties to former president Barack Obama, is starting late but with a compelling life story and political resume.
The two people with knowledge of Patrick’s plans spoke to Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations.
In addition to Patrick, Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire former mayor of New York City has taken steps toward launching a last-minute presidential campaign, filing candidate papers in Alabama and Arkansas.
The moves reflect uncertainty about the direction of the Democratic contest. Joe Biden entered the race as the front-runner and maintains significant support from black voters, whose backing is critical in a Democratic primary.
