Deval bails on 2020 race over ‘cruelty’ of elections

Former Gov. Deval Patrick made it official yesterday morning that he will not be a Democratic candidate for president in 2020.

Patrick cited the “cruelty” of elections as the basis for his decision.

In a post on social media referencing his wife, Patrick, 62, of Milton, said, “Knowing the cruelty of our elections process would ultimately splash back on people whom Diane and I love, but who had not signed up for the journey, was more than I could ask.”

Patrick, a close friend of former President Barack Obama, was governor of Massachusetts from 2007 until his departure in 2015.

The Chicago native also served as an assistant U.S. Attorney General overseeing the Civil Rights Division under former President Bill Clinton.

Patrick had stumped for several Democratic congressional candidates leading up to last month’s general election — an experience he called “affirming.”

The former governor said he sees an opportunity for Democrats in the coming election.

“Democrats have a clear chance not just to win their votes but to win their respect and earn their help by showing up everywhere, engaging everyone, and making our case,” he said. “What’s at stake today is not just the case for our party or the qualifications of a given candidate, but the character of the country.”

Patrick said he reached his decision not to run after much conversation, reflection and prayer.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by advice and encouragement from people all over the country, known and unknown. Humbled, in fact,” Patrick said. “People across America are coming off the sidelines and getting engaged, taking responsibility for their own civic and political future. That’s exciting and important. I hope we keep giving them positive reasons to do so.”

Patrick is a managing director at Bain Capital.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker called his 2010 gubernatorial opponent “one heck of a campaigner.”

“Decisions to run for office are personal and it was personal for me and for Lauren and for our kids when we made decisions to run, and there’s no bigger personal decision to be made than the decision to run for president,” Baker said.

Democrats have a clear chance not just to win their votes but to win their respect and earn their help by showing up everywhere, engaging everyone, and making our case.