Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) is telling staff and close allies that he will not run for president in 2020, Politico reported Wednesday.

A formal announcement may reportedly come this week, according to the news outlet.

Patrick served as governor of the commonwealth between 2007 and 2015 before reentering the private sector with investment fund Bain Capital.

ADVERTISEMENT

He ramped up his political activity recently, spending several months campaigning for Democrats in competitive midterm election districts across the country, raising suspicion that he was considering a bid.

Close allies of the former governor created the Reason to Believe Political Action Committee in August focused on "promoting Governor Patrick’s positive vision for Democrats to rally around in 2018."

Patrick also met with former President Obama, a friend of his, to discuss running.

A representative from Bain did not immediately respond to The Hill's request for comment.

The Democratic presidential primary is expected to be a very crowded field, with possible contenders including Sens. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersButtigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice Bernie Sanders warns of 'nightmare scenario' if Trump refuses election results Harris joins women's voter mobilization event also featuring Pelosi, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda MORE (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenHarris joins women's voter mobilization event also featuring Pelosi, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda Judd Gregg: The Kamala threat — the Californiaization of America GOP set to release controversial Biden report MORE (D-Mass.), as well as former Vice President Joe Biden Joe BidenOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate Trump attacks Omar for criticizing US: 'How did you do where you came from?' MORE.