Our Revolution Massachusetts, the local branch of the grassroots organization launched by Sen. Bernie Sanders, is backing the underdog in the state’s Democratic gubernatorial primary race.

In an announcement Wednesday, the group said it was endorsing Bob Massie, a longtime environmentalist and entrepreneur, to take on Gov. Charlie Baker in the fall general election.

“Bob’s life story exemplifies his drive of overcoming adversity in the service of his community while maintaining his determination, resilience, cheerful pragmatism and defense of our core American values—inclusion, equality, imagination, and persistence,” Our Revolution said in a lengthy statement posted on Facebook, referring to Massie’s lifelong battle against severe hemophilia and his record as a progressive activist.


“Bob has also led campaigns for racial justice going back to the anti-apartheid divestment movement, in addition to pioneering efforts for decades to address climate change, while challenging corporate power and pushing corporations to be more responsible,” the group said. “No other candidate has demonstrated these personal qualities with the same clarity and energy. He can build a broad-based progressive coalition and implement real change for the future we deserve!”

Massie is one of two candidates on the ballot for the Democratic nomination — and is perceived to be facing an uphill climb in a race with few policy differences.

Jay Gonzalez, the budget chief for former Gov. Deval Patrick, received the endorsement from delegates at the Massachusetts state Democratic convention and has a significant fundraising advantage, according to campaign finance reports. (Whoever wins next month’s primary election will than face an even steeper climb against Baker, the state’s broadly popular Republican governor.)

But like Our Revolution’s founding father, Massie is embracing his outsider status.

“Let’s get out there and shake up the political establishment on September 4th,” he wrote in a statement thanking Our Revolution for their endorsement Wednesday.