Massachusetts Republican Running Mate Shawn Oliver Suspends Campaign After OUI Arrest

Updated 03:33 UTC

Developing story

NEW BEDFORD, Massachusetts. Shawn Oliver, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts, suspended his campaign on Sunday, October 18, hours after he was arrested on a charge of operating under the influence of liquor following a rollover crash in New Bedford.

Oliver, 42, is a New Bedford city councilor and corrections officer, and the running mate of Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue. Massachusetts voters choose their governor on November 3, 2026. Candidates for the two offices run separately in the primaries, then on a joint ticket in the general election.

What police say happened

New Bedford police said officers went to 448 Dartmouth Street at about 11:40 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, after a report of a crash involving a vehicle that had overturned after striking parked vehicles. Five parked vehicles were involved, and two of them sustained extensive damage, police spokesperson Holly Huntoon said.

Police identified Oliver as the driver. He was taken to St. Luke's Hospital for treatment of his injuries. After an investigation at the scene and at the hospital, police arrested him and charged him with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation and speeding.

The charges are allegations. Oliver is presumed innocent, and the case still has to be tested in court. Reports on Sunday did not give a blood alcohol level or a court date, and it was not clear whether Oliver had an attorney who could speak for him.

The running mate asked him to stop

Minogue moved first on Sunday morning. Saying he was extremely disappointed, he asked Oliver to suspend his campaign immediately.

"Shawn is lucky to be alive and lucky that no one innocent was hurt. There is no excuse for driving under the influence," Minogue said. He said Oliver, a father and grandfather, needs to put his family first, offered to help him make sure it never happens again, and said that if elected he would formally ask for Oliver's resignation.

Oliver answered that afternoon, in a statement released a little after 2:20 p.m. local time.

"After careful reflection, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Lieutenant Governor. This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters," he said. "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."

Massachusetts Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Carnevale said the party supports the decision. "Lives were put at risk and that is never acceptable," she said, adding that the party would help Oliver get any help he needs. New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell called the allegations deeply concerning and said the public deserves to hear Oliver's explanation.

His name stays on the ballot

Suspending a campaign does not take a name off the ballot. Early voting for the general election began on Saturday, October 17, and the last day to withdraw and have a name removed from the November 3 ballot was September 4, the Standard-Times reported. So voters will still see Oliver's name beside Minogue's, even though he has stopped campaigning.

Minogue, a businessman and military veteran, faces incumbent Democratic Governor Maura Healey. The Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor is the incumbent, Kim Driscoll.

Oliver was born and raised in New Bedford, a city of about 100,000 people about 60 miles south of Boston, and was elected to the city council in 2023.

What happens next runs on two tracks. The driving charges go through the courts. The ticket question stays open until officials or the party confirm whether a formal change is still possible.