Charles Duane Baker Jr.
Baker's two terms (2015-2023) put him consistently among the most popular U.S. governors. The immediate predecessor to Maura Healey. This profile grades his 2018 campaign promises against his second term.
Charles Duane Baker Jr.
- among Republican governors8th of 34
- among all governors12th of 58
All tracked promises
Continue managing MA budget without tax increases.
Vetoed multiple tax bills. Did sign 2022 tax-relief package including child tax credit and reduced short-term capital gains. Fair Share Amendment (millionaires tax) passed by voters Nov 2022 over his opposition.
Lead Massachusetts's COVID-19 response.
MA had one of higher early death rates; eventually moved to among lowest per-capita rates by mid-2021. Vaccine rollout initially slow then quickly improved.
Publicly distance from Trump.
Did not endorse Trump in 2016, 2020, or 2024. Wrote in Charlie Baker in 2016. Publicly criticized Jan 6, 2021 attack.
Fund transportation infrastructure.
MA Bay Transportation Authority funding increased; nonetheless plagued by service degradation and Orange Line shutdown August 2022. Federal Transit Administration safety report issued Aug 2022.
Pass legislation increasing housing supply.
Housing Choice Act signed Jan 14, 2021. Lowered local zoning approval threshold to simple majority. MA housing prices nonetheless rose sharply through 2022.
Maintain MA bond rating.
MA bond rating remained AA+ through term. Stabilization Fund grew from $1.3B in 2015 to over $7B by 2023.
Run for a third term.
Announced Dec 1, 2021 he would not seek a third term. Cited family and personal reasons; widely reported tension with MA GOP that had moved toward Trump.
Want the deep-dive book on Jr.?
With enough demand for objective journalism, SEALED Press researches and writes the next book in the series — full case studies, paper trails, and color-coded verdicts on every promise this politician has made.