Maura Healey secures Democratic nomination for Governor of Massachusetts; Sullivan beats out incumbent Gauvin

WORCESTER – Maura Healey on Saturday secured the Democratic nomination for Governor of Massachusetts, earning 71% of the vote over Massachusetts State Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz at the Democratic State Convention in Worcester. Healey received the highest vote percentage of a Democratic candidate for a contested Massachusetts Governor’s nomination in recent history. She is also the first openly gay Democratic nominee for Governor in Massachusetts history.

In her speech, Healey pointed to lowering the high cost of living, expanding job training, making Massachusetts a global leader on clean energy, and protecting and expanding access to abortion as top priorities.

“I will be a Governor who sees everyone, listens to everyone, and hears everyone. A Governor who fights to make sure people share in our progress and no one is left behind. A Governor as tough as the state she serves,” said Healey in her speech. “Because in Massachusetts, we don’t follow. We lead. We don’t wait. We act. And we never back down when people are counting on us.”

As a part of the Convention process, the motion to nominate Healey was made by Danielle Allen, former candidate for Governor and the first Black woman to run for statewide office in Massachusetts. Grace Akkara, a 19-year-old delegate from Quincy who had previously worked with Healey to advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment, and Healey’s brother, Terrence Healey of Essex, seconded the nomination.

Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll (41%) beat out State Rep. Tami Gouveia and State Senator Eric Lesser for the Lieutenant Governor nomination.

Quentin Palfrey (54%) won the nomination for Attorney General over former Boston City Council President Andrea Campbell and Shannon Liss-Riordan.

Tanisha Sullivan (62%) won the nomination for Secretary of State over incumbent Willam Galvin.

Former Massachusetts Assistant Secretary of Transportation Chris Dempsey (53%) edged out State Senator Diana DiZoglio for the nomination for State Auditor.