NCAA senior VP of external affairs Tim Buckley has firmly dismissed speculation surrounding Charlie Baker’s potential interest in a Senate run. In a conversation with ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Buckley labeled the reports as “untrue,” emphasizing that Baker is fully committed to his role as NCAA president.
Political Speculation Surrounding Baker
The chatter about Baker’s political aspirations gained traction during a recent roundtable show on WCVB-TV. Political analysts in Massachusetts suggested that the former governor, who served from 2015 to 2023, might be eyeing a Senate bid in 2026. The analysts pondered whether Baker could mount a challenge against incumbent Ed Markey for the seat, raising intriguing questions about his future in politics.
Baker’s Focus on College Sports
Despite the swirling rumors, Buckley was quick to clarify Baker’s current priorities. “In the last several days alone, Charlie has been in North Carolina for the DI women’s soccer championship, Texas for DII football finals, Kentucky for DI women’s volleyball semifinals, and will soon be in Tennessee for the NCAA convention,” Buckley explained. “He’s clearly not running for any political office and is solely focused on the future of college sports.” This commitment to his role in college athletics underscores Baker’s dedication to the NCAA and its mission.
Political Analysts Weigh In
While Buckley was clear about Baker’s intentions, political analysts continued to speculate on his potential return to the political arena. Mary Anne Marsh, one of the analysts, noted, “Charlie Baker is in Massachusetts all the time, endorsing candidates, doing the Boston Pops, all of it. He certainly looks like someone who’s running.” However, she also posed an important question: could Baker actually win a Senate race against Markey? “I don’t know,” she admitted, highlighting the uncertainty that surrounds any political campaign.
The Case for Baker’s Senate Run
Marsh’s fellow analyst, Republican Rob Gray, offered a more optimistic perspective on Baker’s chances. He pointed out that Baker’s experience as a two-term Republican governor in Massachusetts could work in his favor. “Charlie Baker would have a chance to win,” Gray asserted. “I mean, he’s the exception. He’s run twice for governor and won successfully. He can raise the money, and Ed Markey has a lot of problems.”
Gray also acknowledged the challenges that come with being a Republican in a predominantly Democratic state. However, he noted that Baker’s moderate stance and anti-Trump sentiment might resonate with voters. “Voters will have hesitation about sending another Republican to Washington, but Charlie Baker’s been very anti-Trump. So maybe, they’ll look the other way,” he speculated.
Baker’s Legislative Advocacy
Since stepping into his role as NCAA president, Baker has been actively engaging with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, advocating for national legislation regarding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights for college athletes. His recent trip to Washington, D.C., earlier this month highlighted his commitment to the NCAA’s mission. During this visit, he called for a federal ban on prop bets for college contests, a move that underscores his dedication to protecting student-athletes.
The Future of College Football
As the landscape of college football continues to evolve, Baker’s leadership at the NCAA is crucial. With issues like NIL rights and gambling regulations becoming increasingly significant, his experience as a former governor and his current role in college athletics position him uniquely to navigate these challenges.
The question remains: will Baker’s focus on college sports keep him from pursuing a political comeback? Buckley’s statements suggest that for now, Baker is all in on college athletics. However, as the 2026 election approaches, the political landscape could shift, and Baker’s name may resurface in conversations about potential candidates.
A Balancing Act
For Baker, balancing his responsibilities as NCAA president with the allure of a political career is no small feat. The excitement of college football, the passion of the fans, and the urgency of pressing issues in college athletics may very well keep him anchored in his current role. Yet, the political world is never far away, and as analysts ponder his future, one can’t help but wonder what lies ahead for this influential figure.
In the world of college football, Baker’s leadership is vital. His commitment to enhancing the student-athlete experience and advocating for fair regulations is paramount. As fans and analysts alike keep a close eye on his actions, the narrative around Baker is bound to evolve. Whether he remains focused on college sports or decides to dip his toes back into politics, one thing is certain: Charlie Baker’s journey is far from over, and the excitement surrounding his next steps will keep everyone engaged.
