diff --git a/patroni/postgresql/__init__.py b/patroni/postgresql/__init__.py
index 4949b456..38cd5f89 100644
--- a/patroni/postgresql/__init__.py
+++ b/patroni/postgresql/__init__.py
@@ -369,7 +369,11 @@ class Postgresql(object):
         return self._cluster_info_state_get('received_tli')
 
     def is_leader(self):
-        return bool(self._cluster_info_state_get('timeline'))
+        try:
+            return bool(self._cluster_info_state_get('timeline'))
+        except PostgresConnectionException:
+            logger.warning('Failed to determine PostgreSQL state from the connection, falling back to cached role')
+            return bool(self.is_running() and self.role == 'master')
 
     def replay_paused(self):
         return self._cluster_info_state_get('replay_paused')
diff --git a/tests/test_postgresql.py b/tests/test_postgresql.py
index 884fbbc8..937db9c1 100644
--- a/tests/test_postgresql.py
+++ b/tests/test_postgresql.py
@@ -335,7 +335,7 @@ class TestPostgresql(BaseTestPostgresql):
         self.assertTrue(self.p.is_leader())
         self.p.reset_cluster_info_state(None)
         with patch.object(Postgresql, '_query', Mock(side_effect=RetryFailedError(''))):
-            self.assertRaises(PostgresConnectionException, self.p.is_leader)
+            self.assertFalse(self.p.is_leader())
 
     @patch.object(Postgresql, 'controldata', Mock(return_value={'Database cluster state': 'shut down',
                                                                 'Latest checkpoint location': '0/1ADBC18',