Deval Patrick

Deval Patrick
File:Deval Patrick 2010.jpg Patrick in 2010
Born	(1956-07-31) July 31, 1956 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Politician, lawyer, businessman
Years active	1983–present
Known for	71st governor of Massachusetts; first African-American governor of Massachusetts; United States Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division

Deval Laurdine Patrick (born July 31, 1956) is a notable American political figure who held the office of the 71st governor of Massachusetts from 2007 until 2015. He made history as Massachusetts' first African-American governor and was the first Democrat to hold the position since Michael Dukakis left office in 1991. Prior to his governorship, Patrick served as the United States Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division under President Bill Clinton between 1994 and 1997. He also briefly pursued a presidential bid in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

Growing up on Chicago’s South Side, Patrick earned a scholarship to attend Milton Academy, followed by studies at Harvard College and Harvard Law School. After completing law school, he worked with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and later joined a Boston law firm where he became a partner. In 1994, President Clinton appointed him as Assistant Attorney General overseeing civil rights matters, where he tackled challenges such as racial profiling and police misconduct. Patrick was elected governor in 2006, succeeding Mitt Romney, and won reelection in 2010.

During his tenure as governor, Patrick advanced the state’s health care reform established in 2006, boosted funding for education and life sciences sectors, secured a federal Race to the Top grant for education improvement, reorganized transportation by founding the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, increased the sales tax from 5% to 6.25%, raised the minimum wage from $8 to $11 by 2017, and laid groundwork for casino developments in Massachusetts. Under his administration, Massachusetts joined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative aimed at reducing emissions. In early 2011, he announced that he would not seek another term in 2014.

Following his gubernatorial service, Patrick became managing director at Bain Capital and took on the role of board chair for Our Generation Speaks, a fellowship program and startup incubator dedicated to Israeli-Palestinian entrepreneurial ventures. Additionally, he sits on the board of telehealth provider American Well. Though initially reluctant despite encouragement from his own network and former President Barack Obama’s advisers to run for president in 2020, Patrick entered the race in November 2019 but withdrew three months later after underperforming in early contests like the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary.

Early life and education

Born on July 31, 1956, in Chicago’s South Side, Patrick was raised in a modest two-bedroom apartment within the Robert Taylor Homes housing project. His parents were Emily Mae (née Wintersmith) and Pat Patrick, a jazz musician affiliated with Sun Ra. In 1959, his father left to pursue music opportunities in New York City and because he had fathered another child. Although their relationship was initially distant, they eventually reconciled. Patrick was primarily raised by his mother, whose lineage includes ancestors who were enslaved in Kentucky.

During middle school, Patrick was selected by A Better Chance, a nonprofit organization supporting academically talented minority students, which enabled him to attend Milton Academy in Massachusetts. He graduated from Milton Academy in 1974 and became the first person in his family to attend college. Patrick earned a Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude in English and American literature from Harvard College in 1978, where he was affiliated with the Fly Club. He continued at Harvard Law School, graduating cum laude with a J.D. degree in 1982. Notably, he failed the California Bar exam twice before passing on his third attempt.

Patrick spent one year clerking for Judge Stephen Reinhardt on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit before joining the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF) in 1983, where he concentrated on cases involving death penalty appeals and voting rights litigation. During this period, he encountered Bill Clinton through litigation related to voting rights issues. In 1986, Patrick joined Hill & Barlow, a Boston law firm, becoming partner by age 34 in 1990. His time there included managing prominent cases such as representing Desiree Washington in her civil suit against Mike Tyson.

Clinton administration

In 1994, President Bill Clinton appointed Patrick as the United States Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, a nomination that received confirmation from the United States Senate. During his tenure, Patrick defended the federal affirmative action policies championed by Clinton amidst judicial and political challenges, while also focusing on matters such as racial profiling, police misconduct, and the treatment of inmates.

Between 1995 and 1997, Patrick spearheaded an extensive investigation into a series of arson attacks targeting primarily African-American churches throughout the Southern United States. This collaborative federal effort was the largest of its kind prior to 9/11, leading to over 100 arrests; however, investigators did not uncover any evidence pointing to a coordinated national or regional conspiracy.

Law career

Returning to Boston in 1997, Patrick joined the law firm Day, Berry & Howard (which later became Day Pitney LLP). Around this time, a federal court appointed him Chairman of Texaco's Equality and Fairness Task Force. In this role, he directed significant reforms aimed at transforming Texaco’s corporate employment environment into one characterized by fairness and inclusivity.

While serving on the board of United Airlines, Patrick encountered criticism from some advocates within the gay rights movement. Although initially resistant to a domestic partnership benefits ordinance, he eventually convinced UAL to become the first airline to extend such benefits company-wide to all employees.

Business career

In 1999, Patrick assumed the role of General Counsel at Texaco, overseeing all legal matters and championing reforms in employment practices. A key responsibility during this period involved facilitating Texaco’s merger with the larger Chevron, which was publicly announced in October 2000.

By 2001, Patrick had joined The Coca-Cola Company as Executive Vice-President, General Counsel, and Secretary. He led an internal review concerning allegations of labor abuses at Coca-Cola bottlers in Colombia. Although these claims were ultimately deemed unsubstantiated, he recommended commissioning an independent investigation. When CEO Douglas Daft withdrew support for this recommendation, Patrick decided to resign from his position.

From 2004 until 2006, Patrick served on the board of ACC Capital Holdings, the parent company of Ameriquest and Argent Mortgage. At that time, Ameriquest was the largest subprime mortgage lender amid widespread regulatory scrutiny. Invited by founder Roland Arnall, Patrick contributed to managing regulatory challenges and fostering cultural reform within the organization. During his board tenure, these companies originated more than $80 billion in subprime loans; investigations later acknowledged that Ameriquest was moving toward reform when he left.

Following his governorship, Patrick entered private equity in 2015 as a Managing Director at Bain Capital.

In 2024, he joined The Vistria Group as a Senior Advisor and was elevated to Senior Partner within the same year.

Governor of Massachusetts

Patrick was elected governor in 2006 and served two full terms from January 4, 2007, until January 8, 2015, choosing not to pursue a third term.

Before assuming office, he assembled a transition team headed by attorney Michael Angelini, banking executive Ronald Homer, and former economic affairs secretary Gloria Cordes Larson. Early legislative initiatives included proposals to hire an additional 1,000 police officers and implement full-day kindergarten across the state.

Breaking with tradition, Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray took their oaths outdoors on the West Portico of the State House. This location provided greater public accessibility and symbolized a dedication to openness. Honoring his ancestry, Patrick swore his oath using the historic Mendi Bible.

To foster statewide engagement, seven regional inaugural balls were hosted across Massachusetts at venues including Cape Cod, Worcester, Dartmouth, Pittsfield, Springfield, and Boston.

2006

In 2005, Patrick declared his intention to run for governor of Massachusetts. Initially regarded as a dark horse candidate, he contended with experienced politicians Thomas Reilly and Chris Gabrielli in the Democratic primary. Patrick captured the nomination by earning 49% of the vote in the three-way contest. In the general election, he faced Republican lieutenant governor Kerry Healey along with Independent Massachusetts Turnpike Commission member Christy Mihos.

The campaign was marked by significant acrimony, with former governor Michael Dukakis labeling it "the dirtiest gubernatorial campaign in my memory". Patrick encountered criticism over prior letters he had written to the parole board praising correspondence from Benjamin LaGuer, who had been convicted of a violent rape, describing it as "thoughtful, insightful, eloquent, [and] humane".

Patrick contributed $5,000 toward DNA testing that ultimately confirmed LaGuer's involvement in the crime. Following the DNA results, Patrick retracted his support for LaGuer's release.

Patrick emerged victorious in the general election with 55% of the vote, becoming both Massachusetts' first Democratic governor since 1991 and its first African-American to hold the office.

2010

On April 2, 2009, Patrick alongside Lt. Governor Timothy Murray announced their intention to seek re-election. Although briefly challenged by Green-Rainbow candidate Grace Ross, she withdrew after failing to gather enough signatures. Defying the prevailing national midterm trends, Patrick secured re-election by defeating Republican Charlie Baker with 48.4% of the vote; Baker garnered 42.0%, while independent Tim Cahill received 8.0%.

Casino gaming

Patrick was responsible for crafting and enacting legislation that authorized three resort-style casinos within Massachusetts. The initiative was projected to generate an economic impact exceeding $2 billion, create approximately 30,000 construction jobs, and establish around 20,000 permanent positions. He recommended that casino-generated revenues be directed toward law enforcement funding, a regulatory body for gambling activities, infrastructure maintenance, addiction treatment programs, and property tax reductions.

The proposal encountered resistance from former House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi, who questioned the accuracy of job creation and revenue forecasts and cautioned against fostering a gambling culture with associated social consequences. Casino lobbying efforts came under scrutiny due to connections with the Jack Abramoff scandal and attempts by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe to develop a casino outside federal oversight. In 2009, Patrick accepted substantial campaign donations from casino-related interests.

On March 20, 2008, the Massachusetts House voted down Patrick's casino legislation by a margin of 108–46 amid accusations that DiMasi engaged in political tactics to influence votes. Patrick faced criticism for his absence during the vote as he was in New York finalizing a $1.35 million deal for his autobiography.

By mid-2010, lawmakers passed a bill permitting three casinos and two slot parlors; however, Patrick vetoed this measure on grounds that he would only approve one slot parlor. A 2011 investigative report revealed that Patrick breached his own policy against accepting funds or meetings from gambling lobbyists by receiving over $6,000 in contributions and attending related fundraising events.

In December 2011, Patrick signed legislation moving forward with a state compact involving the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. The plan faced complications when Assistant Secretary Carl Stanley McGee resigned from leading the Massachusetts Gaming Commission due to prior child molestation charges; he later returned to economic development overseeing casino policy matters. This controversy prompted the legislature to override Patrick’s veto on mandatory background checks for casino regulators.

In June 2014, the Supreme Judicial Court permitted a referendum aiming to repeal casino gambling laws to appear on the November ballot, introducing uncertainty about the legislation’s future.

Gun control

In 2010, Patrick championed laws aimed at restricting firearm acquisitions, highlighting concerns about gun-related violence and criminal activity in Boston. The following year, he introduced proposals for more rigorous gun regulations with the goal of preventing youth violence, requesting $10 million from both public and private sources to fill existing funding voids. After the tragic Sandy Hook incident in 2013, Patrick pushed for enhanced gun control measures, including a monthly limit of one firearm purchase per individual and closing loopholes related to gun shows.

Education

Throughout his tenure, Patrick emphasized the importance of developing a "world-class public education" system, dedicating unprecedented public investments to Massachusetts schools, focusing on narrowing the achievement gap among minority students, and securing the national Race to the Top grant. He advocated for doubling the number of charter schools within the state and proposed offering free community college education to all Massachusetts high school graduates.

On August 7, 2008, Patrick authorized a $2.2 billion bond bill for higher education, allocating $1 billion to the University of Massachusetts system and $1.2 billion toward state universities and community colleges. This funding included $100 million each for building an integrated sciences complex and a general academic facility at UMass Boston. He marked the completion of the science complex in 2014 and received recognition from UMass Boston in 2015. In 2016, he returned to engage with students from the university’s School for Global Inclusion and Social Development.

Same-sex marriage

By 2005, Patrick had expressed support for legalizing same-sex marriage, underscoring the belief that "citizens come before their government as equals." He worked closely with lawmakers to prevent a ballot initiative that sought to repeal same-sex marriage rights in Massachusetts, thereby maintaining the state’s status as a national leader in marriage equality.

Energy policy

Patrick introduced the Wind Energy Siting Reform legislation designed to accelerate permit appeal timelines for wind energy projects in Massachusetts, aiming to reduce the process duration to between nine and nineteen months. During his second term, he focused on expanding renewable energy, although attempts to raise solar generation limits and increase hydropower imports from Canada did not pass through the legislature.

Transportation

The Transportation Finance Commission (TFC), established by law, reported in 2007 a projected funding shortfall of $15–$19 billion over two decades needed to maintain Massachusetts’ transportation infrastructure. The commission recommended various reforms and revenue strategies to address this deficit. The Patrick administration enacted comprehensive transportation reform legislation incorporating many TFC suggestions and formed the Massachusetts Department of Transportation by consolidating smaller agencies.

Patrick proposed increasing the state gasoline tax by 19¢ per gallon as a measure to prevent toll hikes and MBTA fare increases, fully finance Regional Transit Authority and Turnpike operations, and partially close the capital funding gap identified by the TFC; however, this proposal was rejected. Instead, a 1.25% sales tax increase was implemented with a portion allocated specifically for transportation funding. This move averted immediate toll and fare increases but did not resolve long-term fiscal challenges. Patrick also supported advancing the South Coast Rail initiative.

Immigration

In reaction to the 2014 surge of Central American minors arriving at the U.S. border, Patrick suggested accommodating 1,000 migrants across several locations in Massachusetts while they awaited processing at immigration facilities.

Senate appointments

On September 24, 2009, Patrick designated Paul G. Kirk as the temporary U.S. senator following the passing of Ted Kennedy.

Later, on January 30, 2013, Patrick appointed his former chief of staff, Mo Cowan, to serve as interim U.S. senator until a special election could fill the vacancy left by Secretary of State nominee John Kerry.

Controversies

Early in his tenure, Patrick was criticized for expenditures nearing $11,000 on curtains for the state house and for changing the state vehicle lease from a Ford Crown Victoria to a Cadillac. He reimbursed these costs to the Commonwealth, accepting responsibility.

Patrick also faced questions for reaching out to Citigroup Executive Committee chair and ex-Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin on behalf of Ameriquest, a mortgage company accused of predatory lending practices, where Patrick had previously served on the board. He later acknowledged this call was an error in judgment.

In 2014, Patrick dismissed the chairperson of the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board and placed its director on administrative leave after they exerted pressure to register Bernard Sigh—Patrick's brother-in-law—as a sex offender. Sigh had admitted guilt to raping Patrick’s sister and neglected to register upon relocating to Massachusetts; he was subsequently convicted of multiple offenses in 2019.

In June 2015, the Boston Herald revealed that Patrick’s administration redirected nearly $27 million in public funds into off-budget accounts used for trade missions, advertising campaigns, and a federally subsidized tourism project supported by Senator Harry Reid. This funding began in 2009 through quasi-public entities such as the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and Massport, without explicit legislative approval. However, a state representative later clarified these expenditures were either authorized or compliant with budgetary regulations and did not breach any laws.

Healthcare

In 2014, Patrick enacted legislation mandating health insurers to cover up to two weeks of inpatient addiction treatment in response to escalating opioid abuse. This followed a $20 million state initiative aimed at combating the crisis. That same year, he signed a law permitting law enforcement to restrict anti-abortion demonstrations that impeded access to clinics.

NPVIC

On August 4, 2010, Patrick endorsed a bill enrolling Massachusetts in the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, aligning the state with efforts to reform presidential election procedures.

Cabinet

Patrick Administration Cabinet
Position	Individual	Term
Governor	Deval Patrick	2007–2015
Lieutenant Governor	Tim Murray	2007–2013
Executive Department Secretaries
Health and Human Services	JudyAnn Bigby	2007–2013
	John Polanowicz	2013–2015
Energy and Environmental Affairs	Ian Bowles	2007–2011
	Rick Sullivan	2011–2014
	Maeve Bartlett	2014–2015
Public Safety	Kevin M. Burke	2007–2010
	Mary Elizabeth Heffernan	2010–2013
	Andrea Cabral	2013–2015
Labor and Workforce Development	Suzanne M. Bump	2007–2010
	Joanne Goldstein	2010–2014
	Rachel Kaprielian	2014–2015
Transportation and Public Works (until 2009)	Bernard Cohen	2007–2009
	Jim Aloisi	2009
Department of Transportation (from 2009)	Jeffrey B. Mullan	2009–2011
	Richard A. Davey	2011–2015
Administration and Finance	Leslie Kirwan	2007–2009
	Jay Gonzalez	2009–2012
	Glen Shor	2013–2015
Education (established in 2008)	'\'Paul Reville'	'\'2008–2013'	'\'-	'\' '	'\'Matthew Malone'	'\'2013–2015'	'\'-	'\'Housing and Economic Development'	'\'Dan O'Connell'	'\'2007–2009'	'\'-	'\' '	'\'Greg Bialecki'	'\'2009–2015'	'\'-	'\'Elder Affairs'	'\'Jennifer Davis Carey'	'\'2007'	'\'-	'\' '	'\'Mike Festa'	'\'2007–2009'	'\'-	'\' '	'\'Ann L. Hartstein'	'\'2009–2015'	'\'-	'\'Veterans' Services'	'\'Thomas G. Kelley'	'\'2007–2011'	'\'-	'\' '	'\'Coleman Nee'	'\'2011–2015'	'\'-	Special Advisors			'\'-	'\'Education'	'\'Dana Mohler-Faria'	'\'2007–2008'

Association with President Barack Obama

During the 2008 Democratic primaries, Patrick stood by presidential hopeful Barack Obama, addressing accusations of plagiarism related to similarities between Obama's speeches and Patrick's own 2006 gubernatorial campaign rhetoric, clarifying that he had approved Obama's use of certain expressions.

Following Obama's victory in the 2008 United States presidential election, speculation arose about Patrick as a candidate for U.S. Attorney General; however, the appointment went to Eric Holder.

In the 2012 United States presidential election, Patrick acted as an Obama campaign surrogate but attracted controversy by defending Boston-based private equity firm Bain Capital, founded by Republican contender Mitt Romney, contradicting his party's campaign messaging.

After 2012, Patrick was considered a potential successor to Holder as Attorney General but declared his intention to remain governor rather than accept another post. When Holder announced his resignation in 2014, rumors resurfaced but ultimately Loretta Lynch was appointed.

In March 2016, USA Today listed Patrick among possible nominees for the vacant U.S. Supreme Court associate justice seat following Justice Antonin Scalia's passing.

Bain Capital and private sector roles

Following his governorship, Patrick became a founding partner at Bain Capital’s Double Impact Fund in 2015. He served as managing director until November 2019 when he stepped down to pursue a presidential bid. In 2021, he returned as an advisor within Bain’s impact investment division.

Leading this fund, Patrick sought to raise $250 million; by 2018 it had amassed $39 million. The fund targeted smaller enterprises aiming for both financial returns and measurable impact across sustainability, health and wellness, and community development sectors. Notably, it publicly shared internal impact evaluations for its portfolio companies—a rarity in private equity transparency.

Patrick also joined the board of telehealth provider American Well.

Nonprofit involvement

In November 2016, Patrick was appointed to serve on the board of the Obama Foundation. He chairs Our Generation Speaks, a fellowship and startup incubator fostering collaboration between young Israeli and Palestinian leaders through entrepreneurship.

He participated in Boston’s bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics under Boston 2024 leadership.

In April 2021, alongside Common Sense Media founder Jim Steyer and former Education Secretary Margaret Spellings, Patrick launched the Future of Tech Commission aimed at advising the Biden administration and Congress on technology policy issues including privacy, antitrust enforcement, digital equity, and platform accountability. By January 2022, he became co-director of Harvard Kennedy School's Center for Public Leadership and took on a professorship in public leadership.

Senior advisory role with Chicago Police Accountability Task Force

In December 2015, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel appointed Patrick as senior advisor to the Chicago Police Accountability Task Force, established after the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald by an officer on duty. The task force evaluated accountability measures, oversight mechanisms, and training protocols within the Chicago Police Department. Their findings were released on April 13, 2016 by task force leader Lori Lightfoot.

Vistria Group

In early 2024, Patrick joined The Vistria Group—a private equity firm focused on combining financial returns with social impact—as Senior Advisor. He utilized his expertise in capital raising, deal sourcing, and portfolio oversight to support strategic initiatives. Later that year in November, he was elevated to Senior Partner with broader leadership duties.

2020 presidential campaign

Following his speech at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, Patrick indicated plans to return to private industry post-governorship and dismissed any intentions for a 2016 presidential run. On February 28, 2018, amid speculation from political figures such as David Axelrod and Valerie Jarrett, he acknowledged that a potential candidacy for president in 2020 was "on my radar screen." However, on December 6 that year he officially announced he would not enter the race due to concerns about election-related impacts on his family life.

Reports surfaced in November 2019 suggesting he reconsidered joining late in the primary cycle. On November 14 he formally launched his campaign by filing first in New Hampshire with Abe Rakov as campaign manager. His second planned event at Morehouse College was canceled due to low turnout attributed partly to short notice and conflicting engagements.

His initial advertising purchases began January 8 across Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina markets—spending $100,000 in New Hampshire and $60,000 in South Carolina respectively. Despite holding a favorable approval rating of approximately 29% in New Hampshire polls at that time, his support remained below one percent among Democratic primary voters; nearly half were unfamiliar with him.

Positioning himself as a centrist alternative within the field, Patrick opposed Medicare for All while endorsing adding a public option under the Affordable Care Act framework. He described his economic philosophy as capitalist but cautious toward unregulated market ideologies.

Following disappointing results in the February 12 New Hampshire primary contest, Patrick suspended his campaign efforts.

Continued political engagement

In May 2020, Patrick launched TogetherFundPAC—a super PAC supporting Democratic nominee Joe Biden’s presidential bid.

On July 6, 2024 during an interview with CNN, Patrick expressed support for President Biden’s re-election but remained open to entering the race himself should Biden step aside.

Personal life

Patrick married labor and employment attorney Diane Patrick in 1984. Since relocating there in 1989 they have resided in Milton, Massachusetts. They have two daughters: Sarah and Katherine. In July 2008 Katherine publicly came out as lesbian coinciding with Governor Patrick’s opposition to an amendment seeking to ban same-sex marriage within the state constitution; he expressed pride and support for her decision. In September 2011 Sarah wed Marco Morgese—a former Italian soldier—and on May 20th of 2013 she gave birth to their son Gianluca Noah Patrick Morgese making Patrick a grandfather.

Besides their home in Milton they maintain property in Richmond, Massachusetts. In recognition of his Chicago origins Illinois Governor Pat Quinn renamed part of Wabash Avenue "Deval Patrick Way" in Chicago during a ceremony held in 2013. Harvard University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on May 28th of that same year.

See also

• Barack Obama Supreme Court candidates
• List of minority governors and lieutenant governors in the United States

External links

• Official presidential campaign website: Deval for All
• “In Black America; National Association Of Black Journalists Dallas Fort-Worth/ABC with Deval Patrick,” October 1st 1996 KUT Radio – American Archive of Public Broadcasting
• Template:C-SPAN

Speeches

• Transcript: Deval Patrick's acceptance speech The Boston Globe, November 8th 2006
• Speech by Deval Patrick at National Association of Black Journalists’ annual convention on KUT’s "In Black America" radio program (October 1st 1996), American Archive of Public Broadcasting