Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick will not run for president in 2020, according to a new report.

Patrick called supporters this week informing them of his decision, Politico reports, citing sources close to the former governor.

He was encouraged to seek the office by members of former President Barack Obama's circle. Obama himself reportedly encouraged Patrick to run.

He expressed reluctance earlier this year about a presidential run in 2020. "It's hard to see how you even get noticed in such a big, broad field without being shrill, sensational or a celebrity -- and I'm none of those things and I'm never going to be any of those things," Patrick told David Axelrod, a former Obama adviser, on The Axe Files with David Axelrod.

Patrick grew up in Chicago, moving to the East Coast when he received a scholarship to the prestigious Milton Academy in Massachusetts. He went on to attend Harvard College for undergraduate studies and Harvard Law School.

He was elected governor in 2006, the first African American to lead Massachusetts. He served two terms in the office.

He has served as managing director for Bain Capital since leaving the governor's office.

Other Massachusetts politicians remain as potential Democratic contenders, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former Secretary of State John Kerry.