diff --git a/patroni/ha.py b/patroni/ha.py
index de8f976e..0f0ef24d 100644
--- a/patroni/ha.py
+++ b/patroni/ha.py
@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@ class Ha(object):
         if self.state_handler.is_leader() or self.state_handler.role == 'master':
             return message
         else:
-            if 'pause' in self.cluster.config.data and self.cluster.config.data['pause']:
+            if self.cluster.config and 'pause' in self.cluster.config.data and self.cluster.config.data['pause']:
                 return "Not promoted due to paused state."
             self.state_handler.promote()
             self.touch_member()