diff --git a/patroni/__init__.py b/patroni/__init__.py
index 37a8e848..ad968a08 100644
--- a/patroni/__init__.py
+++ b/patroni/__init__.py
@@ -128,5 +128,8 @@ def main():
         pass
     finally:
         patroni.api.shutdown()
-        patroni.postgresql.stop(checkpoint=False)
+        if patroni.ha.is_paused():
+            logger.info('Postgres is not stopped due paused state')
+        else:
+            patroni.postgresql.stop(checkpoint=False)
         patroni.dcs.delete_leader()
diff --git a/patroni/ha.py b/patroni/ha.py
index 0f0ef24d..28f7b696 100644
--- a/patroni/ha.py
+++ b/patroni/ha.py
@@ -26,6 +26,9 @@ class Ha(object):
         self.recovering = False
         self._async_executor = AsyncExecutor()
 
+    def is_paused(self):
+        return self.cluster.config and 'pause' in self.cluster.config.data and self.cluster.config.data['pause']
+
     def load_cluster_from_dcs(self):
         cluster = self.dcs.get_cluster()
 
@@ -150,8 +153,6 @@ class Ha(object):
         if self.state_handler.is_leader() or self.state_handler.role == 'master':
             return message
         else:
-            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()
             return promote_message