Apr 22, 2024 - Politics

Healey's popular, just not that popular

Mike Deehan

Photo illustration of Maura Healey with lines radiating from her. — Photo illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios. Photo: David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Fifteen months into her term, Gov. Maura Healey has the approval of nearly 60% of Massachusetts voters, according to a new Morning Consult poll.

Why it matters: Healey is one of the more popular governors in the country, but she has some catching up to do to reach the sky-high levels of her predecessor and lock in reelection in 2026.

What they found: The poll shows Healey's approval rating at 59%.

13% of respondents had no opinion on her and 28% held a negative view.

Between the lines: Conservatives are never going to like her, but Healey may have lost support among moderates as the budget tightens and unprecedented numbers of migrants strain the state's emergency shelter system.

Flashback: Former Gov. Charlie Baker had a 72% approval rating in May 2016, making him the most popular chief executive of any state at the time.

Baker cruised to reelection in 2018.

Yes, but: Healey is doing much better than the previous Democrat to hold the office at nearly the same point in the term.

Former Gov. Deval Patrick's approval was just 41% positive in April 2008, 16 months into his first term.
Patrick went on to beat a then-untested Baker by 6.4% in the 2010 election.

Add Axios on Google

Healey's popular, just not that popular

More Boston stories