Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick announced Thursday he is running for president, jumping into the Democratic race less than three months before primary voting begins.
“This won’t be easy … and it shouldn’t be. But I’m placing my faith in the people who feel left out and left back and just want a fair shot at a better future,” Patrick said in a video announcing his candidacy (below).
Patrick made history as the first black governor of Massachusetts and is a close ally of former President Barack Obama. He previously explored a bid for the presidency before deciding not to run.
“I admire and respect the candidates in the Democratic field,” Patrick said in the video. “But if the character of the candidates is an issue in every election, this time is about the character of the country.”
