Republican Gov. Charlie Baker is stepping into a Democratic Party primary race to support Springfield Rep. Richard Neal, a powerful figure in D.C. politics facing a challenge from Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse.
"Congressman Neal has been a powerful voice for all in the 1st District and the Commonwealth is a better place because of his hard work. I'm looking forward to working with him now more than ever as we fight and come back from this pandemic," Baker tweeted ahead of an appearance in Springfield with Neal and Mayor Domenic Sarno, announcing redevelopment plans for the city.
Baker, who has an 83 percent approval rating among Democrats according to a July poll from MassINC, described himself as a "pragmatic and practical" Republican this week when asked how he felt about the Republican National Convention that's nominated President Donald Trump for re-election. Baker has had participated in the party convention.
Endorsing Neal could be seen as a crucial pragmatic move for Baker, who benefits from Neal's powerful position as chairman in the House Ways and Means Committee as the state tries to heal damage from the pandemic and access as much federal funding as possible.
Morse has been endorsed by New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who became a leader of the progressive wing of the party when she unseated veteran Democrat Joe Crowley, then serving as the high-ranking chair of the House Democratic Caucus, in a 2018 primary.
