Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) is mulling a 2020 White House run, The New York Times reported on Monday.
The former governor spoke with Democratic officials about entering the race after saying the current candidates don’t have the necessary political momentum, two Democrats with knowledge of the conversations told the Times. He also reportedly said he thinks he could bring liberal and moderate Democrats together.
Michael BloombergBiden's domestic and global challenges on COVID vaccinations Press: Even Jeff Bezos should pay income taxes What the Democrats should be doing to reach true bipartisanship MORE moved to enter the already crowded Democratic primary, with the race appearing deeply divided as the Iowa caucus approaches early next year.Massachusetts Democrats have also reportedly connected with party leaders in early primary states to tip that Patrick may run, one Democrat who was notified told the Times.
Patrick would need to file by Friday to run in the New Hampshire primary.
His potential last-minute run comes as the Democratic vote appears split between moderate candidates including former Vice President Joe Biden
Joe BidenExpanding child tax credit could lift 4 million children out of poverty: analysis Maria Bartiromo defends reporting: 'Keep trashing me, I'll keep telling the truth' The Memo: The center strikes back MORE and South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg
Pete ButtigiegHigh-speed rail getting last minute push in Congress Buttigieg: Bipartisan deal on infrastructure 'strongly preferred' OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Biden ends infrastructure talks with key Republican | Colonial Pipeline CEO grilled over ransomware attack | Texas gov signs bills to improve power grid after winter storm MORE and more liberal-leaning hopefuls such as Sens. Elizabeth Warren
Elizabeth WarrenThe Memo: The center strikes back Centrists gain foothold in infrastructure talks; cyber attacks at center of Biden-Putin meeting Democrats have turned solidly against gas tax MORE (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders
Bernie SandersThe Memo: The center strikes back Sanders against infrastructure deal with more gas taxes, electric vehicle fees Sunday shows - Voting rights, infrastructure in the spotlight MORE (I-Vt.). None of the front-runners have been able to pull away from the others definitively in polling.
Patrick could have an advantage in New Hampshire, being a former governor from the New England area, and could gain support from voters in South Carolina as an African American.
The former governor announced last November he would not run in the 2020 presidential race because of the impact the campaign would have on his family. Last month, however, a reporter asked him if he could fully rule out a 2020 presidential run, and he answered, “Don’t ask me that question.”
