Joe Biden is leaning strongly toward a 2016 presidential bid, a source close to the vice president tells the Herald — news that is spurring excitement among top Democrats in Massachusetts and early voting states who are worried about front-runner Hillary Clinton’s hefty political baggage and sagging poll numbers.

An adviser close to Biden, who is familiar with the vice president’s exploration process, told the Herald that Biden will “more likely than not” jump into the 2016 race. A request for comment from Biden’s White House office was not returned yesterday.

The news of Biden’s renewed campaign activity over the weekend energized Democrats eager for a robust primary contest as Clinton faces ongoing questions about her use of a private email server and an upcoming hearing of her handling of the 2012 Benghazi attack during her tenure as secretary of state.

“I’d love to see Biden run,” said Democratic strategist Scott Ferson. “He is authentic and people are looking for that. I think people want Hillary Clinton to be more authentic.”