Internet Explorer 11 is not supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

Massachusetts Governor Will Face Former Budget Chief in November Election

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jay Gonzalez has won his party's nomination, and will face off against Republican Gov. Charlie Baker, who handily beat far-right primary challenger Scott Lively on Tuesday.

By Meghan B. Kelly

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jay Gonzalez has won his party's nomination, and will face off against Republican Gov. Charlie Baker, who handily beat far-right primary challenger Scott Lively on Tuesday.

Gonzalez, a former Gov. Deval Patrick budget chief, topped environmentalist Bob Massie in a campaign in which both candidates talked up their progressive credentials and vision but struggled for name recognition, even among Democrats.

Gonzalez now faces an uphill climb against Baker, a popular incumbent, even in Democratic-leaning Massachusetts. A WBUR poll conducted in May showed Baker handily beating Gonzalez in a hypothetical head-to-head competition.

Special Projects