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Gov. Baker walks out of Mass. State House, marking his final full day in office

BOSTON — After exchanging historic gifts with the new administration, Governor Charlie Baker made his way out of his office Wednesday night for the last time.

Governor Baker walked with Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito and their spouses through the State House, greeting hundreds of people as they said goodbye, from coworkers to lawmakers and Gold Star families.

It was a long ceremonial walk before they got to the front doors, and as soon as those doors opened, the crowd outside erupted in applause.

“You felt like you were living in history for sure,” said Zain Ahmed, who interns for the Governor’s Council as a student at Boston University.

Ahmed got to watch this historic moment from the balcony up above.

“So we got to see him just walk down from the backside, it was very cool, all of his office was there, I was only here for this semester, but it was still a great opportunity, a great experience I think he’s a really good governor,” said Ahmed.

As the governor continued his ‘lone walk’ down the steps of the State House, he stopped for the National Anthem, performed by the UMass band, followed by a 19-gun salute in the Boston Common.

Then he made his way down the red carpet towards the crowd of about 100 people cheering him on to say goodbye after his 8 years as governor of Massachusetts.

There were lots of hugs, high-fives, and selfies before Gov. Baker made his way to his car, thanking the media before he drove off, to start his new chapter as the president of the NCAA.

Maura Healey will be sworn in as the next governor of Massachusetts Thursday at the State House.

She will also have an inaugural party at TD Garden Thursday night.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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