DNC scheduling coincidence gifts governor hopeful her dream job for a day

The Democratic National Convention will throw at least one state’s executive branch into disorganization as high-ranking state Democrats flock to Chicago.

It could be of little surprise that the one state, Massachusetts, which has a Democratic trifecta and is a party stronghold, would be heavily affected by the party’s extravaganza.

State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, fifth in the state’s gubernatorial line of succession, will take the reins as acting governor for a day with every Democrat except state Treasurer Deb Goldberg, who is traveling for a wedding, at the DNC.

DiZoglio’s office told the Washington Examiner that “the Governor’s Office informed us this week that Auditor DiZoglio will be serving as Acting Governor next Tuesday, August 20.” It could present an interesting and rare situation for the state as DiZoglio, normally far removed from the governorship, will have the same powers as Healey for a day.

DiZoglio does not lack in state legislative experience. She was a state legislator for 10 years before taking over as the state’s chief accountability officer. Healey only had eight years of experience as an elected official, as attorney general, before taking the governorship.

The 41-year-old has been floated as a potential future governor given her extensive legislative experience. For a day, she could understand what it will be like if she ever takes the position of the state’s top executive.

According to Politico, she could push an issue like Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn did during his stint as the city’s acting mayor, or she could serve as a administrative stopgap. She’s backed a ballot campaign to let her office audit the state legislature, which could be an issue she pushes.

“I think that folks are fed up with not being able to get access to what’s happening up on Beacon Hill, oftentimes finding out about legislation only after it’s passed, and not having the opportunity to weigh in regarding their opinion,” DiZoglio told WAMC.

The one-day promotion appears to be a unique scenario and an insight as to what happens when a major political convention draws a single-party dominated state’s officials away.

If the presidential line of succession underwent a similar scenario, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen would be the acting president. Nine vice presidents have taken the presidential mantle, but no House speakers, the second-in-line position to be president, have ascended to the presidency.

A prominent Republican governor was criticized by Democrats for his recent absence. Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) was on a trip to east Asia when Hurricane Beryl struck in July. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick was active governor and took a major role in the state’s response.