PHOTOS: A lone walk and loads of symbolism on Baker's last day as Mass. governor

January 04, 2023

WBUR Newsroom

Gov. Charlie Baker has left his State House office for the last time. By Thursday afternoon, it won't be his anymore.

Baker chatted with Gov.-elect Maura Healey briefly on Wednesday before handing over symbols of the governor's office, in a tradition akin to a gubernatorial Olympic torch relay. Lt. Gov Karyn Polito and Lt. Gov.-elect Kim Driscoll also exchanged items.

The ceremony involved tokens that represent the office, including a key, two gavels, a bible and a book of laws. Afterwards, Healey said she appreciated being part of the long-running tradition.

"We respect those traditions and the continuity of government and democracy in Massachusetts, home to the oldest living constitution in the world," she said.

Later that afternoon, Baker made long strides down the front steps of the State House, completing the so-called "lone walk" departing governors make on their last full day of service. Polito and gubernatorial spouses Lauren Baker and Steve Rodolakis joined Baker for the trek, making it not such a lonesome walk after all.

Here are photos from the day's events:

Gov. Charlie Baker and Gov.-elect Maura Healey share a laugh during an exchange of symbols at the Massachusetts State House. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald via pool)

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and Lt. Gov. elect Kim Driscoll exchange a gavel at a ceremony at the Massachusetts State House. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald via pool) — Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and Lt. Gov.-elect Kim Driscoll exchange a gavel at a ceremony at the Massachusetts State House. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald via pool)

A series of symbolic items including a bible dating to the 1800s and a gavel made from the white oak frame of the U.S.S. Constitution sit on a desk before Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker presented them Gov.-elect Maura Healey, at the State House in Boston. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald via pool) — A series of symbolic items including a bible dating back to the 1800s and a gavel made from the white oak frame of the U.S.S. Constitution sit on a desk before Baker presented them to Healey at the State House in Boston. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald via pool)

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker hugs Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito before walking down the Grand Staircase with his wife Lauren Baker, left, and Polito's husband, Steve Rodolakis, as the governor took his last walk through the State House. (Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via pool) — Baker hugs Polito before walking down the Grand Staircase with his wife Lauren Baker, left, and Polito's husband, Steve Rodolakis, as the governor took his last walk through the State House. (Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via pool)

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker takes a selfie with attendees while taking his last walk through the State House. (Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via pool) — Baker takes a selfie with attendees while taking his last walk through the State House. (Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via pool)

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker with his wife Lauren Baker, right, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, and and Polito's husband, Steve Rodolakis, left, takes his last walk through the State House, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, in Boston. (Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via pool) — Gov. Charlie Baker with his wife Lauren Baker, right, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, and and Polito's husband, Steve Rodolakis, left, takes his last walk through the State House, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, in Boston. (Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via pool)

First Lady Lauren Baker, Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karen Polito and Steve Rodolakis celebrate as they arrive to the bottom of the Massachusetts State House steps during the ceremonial lone walk. (Jesse Costa/WBUR) — Lauren and Charlie Baker, Polito and Rodolakis celebrate as they arrive to the bottom of the Massachusetts State House steps during the ceremonial lone walk. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)