diff --git a/web/regression/runtests.py b/web/regression/runtests.py
index 1a44a47ab..b2f7d9b6d 100644
--- a/web/regression/runtests.py
+++ b/web/regression/runtests.py
@@ -32,6 +32,9 @@ if sys.version_info[0] >= 3:
 else:
     import __builtin__ as builtins
 
+# Ensure the global server mode is set.
+builtins.SERVER_MODE = None
+
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 file_name = os.path.basename(__file__)
 
@@ -46,12 +49,6 @@ if sys.path[0] != root:
     sys.path.insert(0, root)
     os.chdir(root)
 
-# Grab the SERVER_MODE if it's been set by the runtime
-if 'SERVER_MODE' in globals():
-    builtins.SERVER_MODE = globals()['SERVER_MODE']
-else:
-    builtins.SERVER_MODE = None
-
 from pgadmin import create_app
 import config
 from regression import test_setup