Mike Kennealy, former cabinet secretary under Charlie Baker, launches bid for MA governor
Kennealy, a Lexington resident, served in former Gov. Charlie Baker's cabinet from 2018 to 2023. Before that, he worked in the administration as assistant secretary for business growth.
He said in a campaign video released Monday that Massachusetts is "headed in the wrong direction," citing a high cost of living, a "broken" transportation system and the "human tragedy" of the migrant system.
Kennealy worked in the private equity industry for nearly two decades before beginning a career in public service, first as a special advisor for the turnaround of Lawrence Public Schools amid its state receivership in 2013.
In 2015, he joined Baker's administration as assistant secretary for business growth. He was named secretary of housing and economic development in 2018, a role he held until the end of Baker's tenure in 2023.
For the last two years, Kennealy has been a senior advisor and chief strategy officer at the Boys and Girls Club of Boston.
According to his website bio, Kennealy grew up in Medford and Reading before earning degrees from Dartmouth College and Harvard Business School. He and his wife Trisha have three adult children.
Healey said she will run for reelection in 2026 during a February appearance on GBH's "Boston Public Radio" show.
'I plan to run for reelection because there's a lot more to do,' she said at the time. 'I love my job. I feel incredibly privileged to be in this position, and I'd love to have the opportunity to continue to work for the great people of this state.'
In addition, Andrea James, a criminal justice advocate, filed candidacy paperwork for the governor's race with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance in February. However, she hasn't officially launched a campaign so far.
The election is set to take place on Nov. 3, 2026.
Melina Khan is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY Network - New England, which serves more than a dozen affiliated publications across New England. She can be reached at MKhan@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Mike Kennealy launches bid for MA governor. What to know about him
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