Mayor Domenic Sarno of Springfield, Massachusetts -- a Democrat -- has crossed party lines and endorsed Republican Governor Charlie Baker.
According to the Baker campaign, Sarno is one of ten Democratic mayors across the state endorsing the governor.
The mayors of Westfield, Woburn, and Fall River are among the others.
Sarno said Baker has been helpful to Springfield on issues like education and economic development.
"He's been very, very good and established [a] track record in being very, very responsive," Sarno said. "We talk all the time. He calls me and vice versa and he's been a good partner in helping me move the city of Springfield forward, so I'm proud to endorse him for a second term."
Sarno is unconcerned on whether the endorsement could lead to problems with local Democratic leaders.
"That's not my problem at all," he said. "I've stood up for the party many, many times, but at this point in time, his bipartisanship is important. Everything has been so, so partisan. I'm a Democrat. And I'm a moderate Democrat. I'm a centrist Democrat."
Sarno made the remarks at an event in Springfield sponsored by Facebook.
The mayor may also be betting on a winning horse. A poll released in July by Morning Consult showed Baker had the highest approval ratings of any governor in the nation.
