Republican gubernatorial candidate Geoff Diehl faces reporters outside the Statehouse, in Boston, Monday, March 21, 2022.
John Raoux/AP Photo

For all the big-name support they’re attracting, both Republicans vying for governor would face an uphill battle against Healey, who leads both men by more than 30 points in polls of hypothetical general-election matchups.

Sununu is still holding out hope.

“This isn’t a state that’s afraid to elect a Republican governor,” Sununu said. “But it has to be the right Republican governor.”