Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, on Friday, sidestepped questions on whether he is interested in running for governor of Massachusettes now that Republican Charlie Baker has announced he would not seek a third term.

“I never said I was considering running. So it’s everyone else saying I’m considering running. So, we’ll leave it at that,” Walsh said during an interview with Spectrum News in Washington.

Baker's announcement this week touched off intense spectulation that Walsh, a Democrat, would seek to succeed him. 

The former mayor of Boston did, however, speak at length about his relationship with Baker and his reaction to the governor’s announcement.

“I was a little surprised that Gov. Baker announced that he wasn’t going to seek a third term. I mean, he’s worked hard in Massachusetts. We work very closely together. You know, I spoke to him the other day, we had a nice private conversation. We’re friends. We’ve certainly worked closely together throughout his time and my time as mayor and governor and particularly the last year-and-a-half with the pandemic. You know, we worked really closely," Walsh said. "So, you know, I’m happy for the governor and his decision for his family."

Walsh added that his current focus is on his current position with the Biden administration as labor secretary.

“I was in LA on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I came back yesterday and I’m here today. I’m focused on what I’m doing here right now and that’s all I’m going to say,” Walsh said.

This week, Walsh took a tour at the Port of Los Angeles to address the country’s economic recovery and supply chain issues.