Governor Patrick becomes first major elected figure to endorse in the race, underscoring momentum behind Blair’s call for present and accountable leadership.

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – Former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick today announced his endorsement of Dr. Everton Blair for Congress in Georgia’s 13th Congressional District, which is anchored in Atlanta’s eastern suburbs, bringing national support and momentum to Blair’s campaign for fresh, present, and accountable leadership in this safely Democratic seat.

“Everton Blair is a deeply caring servant leader with big ideas and a record of getting things done," said Governor Patrick.  I had the privilege of getting to know Everton as a graduate student of mine at Harvard and am excited for the fresh leadership he brings. As an educator, problem-solver, and public servant, Everton understands that politics is about expanding opportunity and dignity for everyone, not just the powerful or those who already agree with him.”

Blair’s campaign focuses on affordability and lowering costs for working families, strengthening public schools, expanding access to health care, and protecting democracy and civil rights.

“I am deeply honored to have Governor Patrick’s endorsement,” said Dr. Everton Blair. “Governor Patrick spent his career expanding opportunity, at the Justice Department, in the private sector, and as a groundbreaking governor who invested in education and communities. 

Governor Patrick’s endorsement amplifies Blair’s core argument that, in a district this safely Democratic, the question is not which party holds the seat but what kind of leadership voters can expect from the person who holds it.  

“​​In a moment when our classrooms, our economy and our democracy are under real strain, America needs leaders who will show up, listen closely, and work hard to make their constituents lives better,” Patrick added. “The people of Georgia’s 13th District would be fortunate to have him fighting for them in the United States Congress.”

Blair emphasized that the endorsement is a call to action for voters who want to see more responsive and forward-looking leadership in Washington.

“This campaign has always been about our neighbors, not about titles,” Blair said. “I decided to run because Congress needs new energy, and our district needs stronger representation. Change can’t wait in GA-13, and the future depends on what we do right now.”

For more information visit EvertonBlair.com.

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About Dr. Everton Blair Jr.
Dr. Everton Blair Jr. is a lifelong resident of Georgia’s 13th Congressional District, born and raised in Gwinnett County to Jamaican immigrants. A former high school math teacher, he built his career as an educator and, in 2018, made history as the first Black member and youngest-ever member elected to the Gwinnett County Board of Education, later serving as Board Chair during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has worked on education policy at the district, state, and federal levels, including service on President Obama’s White House Initiative on Educational Excellence, and holds degrees from Harvard and Stanford. 

About Governor Deval Patrick

Deval Patrick served as the 71st Governor of Massachusetts from 2007 to 2015, becoming the first Black governor in the state’s history. Under his leadership, the Commonwealth ranked first in the nation in student achievement, energy efficiency, health care coverage, veterans’ services and entrepreneurship, and emerged from recession to achieve a 25-year high in employment. Before serving as governor, he was appointed U.S. Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, where he worked to combat racial profiling, police misconduct and other civil rights abuses. Governor Patrick is a Hauser Leader at Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership, a senior partner at The Vistria Group and serves on the board of the Black Economic Alliance. He remains a national voice on democracy, equity and opportunity.

About Georgia’s 13th Congressional District

In a dramatic redistricting shift in 2023, Georgia’s 13th Congressional District moved north and east, picking up portions of Gwinnett, Rockdale, Newton, and DeKalb counties while maintaining swaths of Clayton and Henry counties. Major cities include: Stockbridge, Jonesboro, Conyers, Covington, Lilburn, Grayson, Lawrenceville, and Snellville. The district remains a Democratic stronghold with a heavily Black populace and voting base. Fast-growing counties like Gwinnett and Rockdale are places where Everton Blair has lived, served, and won.