Shawn Oliver, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor in Massachusetts, announced Sunday that he is suspending his campaign after his arrest on charges including operating under the influence (OUI) following a car crash late Saturday night. The decision came after his running mate, gubernatorial nominee Mike Minogue, called on him to step aside.
Oliver, a New Bedford City Council member, was involved in a single-vehicle accident that also damaged five parked cars. According to the New Bedford Police Department, officers responded to the scene around 11:40 p.m. after Oliver's vehicle flipped over. He was taken to St. Luke's Hospital for treatment of injuries, though he was reportedly alone and did not appear seriously hurt.
In a statement, Oliver said he made the decision after careful reflection, emphasizing that the election should not be overshadowed by personal matters. "I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey and ask that my family's privacy be respected during this difficult time," he said.
Minogue, who is running against Democratic Governor Maura Healey, expressed disappointment and said there is "no excuse for driving under the influence." He added that he had spoken with Oliver and asked him to suspend his campaign immediately, and that if elected, he would formally request Oliver's resignation.
The arrest adds to a turbulent period for the Massachusetts GOP, which is already facing long odds in the gubernatorial race. According to Decision Desk HQ, Healey is projected to win with a 99% probability, a scenario that has been complicated by internal party struggles. The incident comes just over two weeks before voters head to the polls, and it is the latest example of the GOP's slide into candidate chaos and weak messaging that has plagued the party in recent cycles.
Oliver faces charges of OUI, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation, and speeding. He was released from custody around 9:30 a.m. Sunday, less than three hours after being booked, and is scheduled for arraignment Monday morning.
Massachusetts Republican Party Chair Amy Carnevale voiced support for Oliver's decision, stating that "lives were put at risk and that is never acceptable." She did not comment further on the legal proceedings.
Minogue, who has positioned himself as a law-and-order candidate, said he will help Oliver "do the work to ensure this never happens again" and pledged to "put the Commonwealth first." He also took aim at Healey, saying his campaign is about accountability, "something Massachusetts has not seen from Maura Healey."
Oliver was seeking to replace Democratic Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, who is running for re-election alongside Healey. The suspension leaves the Republican ticket without a lieutenant governor candidate, and it is unclear whether a replacement can be named at this stage. The development is likely to further complicate Minogue's uphill battle, as he already trails significantly in national and state-level polling.
Political analysts note that such incidents can have a lasting impact on a campaign's credibility, especially in a race where the incumbent is heavily favored. The episode also echoes broader concerns about candidate vetting and the pressures of running for office, as highlighted in recent coverage of candidates running in districts they don't call home.
Oliver's arraignment is set for Monday, and he has not yet commented on the charges beyond his statement. His campaign suspension is effective immediately, but he remains on the ballot unless he formally withdraws.
