It’s Official: Setti Warren Is Running for Governor

Following months of speculation, Newton Mayor Setti Warren formally launched his bid for governor during a block party at his home Saturday afternoon.

In his announcement speech, Warren called economic inequality the “defining issue of our generation,” and decried the state government’s efforts at combatting it. The Iraq War veteran also called for a government-backed single-payer healthcare system, as well as free tuition at all public colleges and universities in Masssachusetts.

“Our economy is leaving people and communities behind. Our political rhetoric is turning neighbors into enemies,” Warren said. “And as I’ve been listening to the people of the Commonwealth, what I’ve heard is that they don’t think Beacon Hill hears them.”

Speculation that Warren may seek to challenge Gov. Charlie Baker intensified after Warren announced in November that he would not seek a third term as mayor of Newton. Warren joins two other Democratic candidates: former Gov. Deval Patrick’s budget chief Jay Gonzalez and environmental activist Robert Massie.