Shawn Oliver, the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts, suspended his campaign Sunday after he was arrested on a drunken-driving charge following a crash in New Bedford.
Oliver, 42, is a New Bedford city councilor and the running mate of Republican governor nominee Mike Minogue. The New York Post and The Washington Times reported the suspension. The general election is Nov. 3.
What happened Saturday night
- The crash: Oliver’s car flipped near his home in New Bedford at about 11:40 p.m. Saturday, Eastern time, and struck five parked cars, the Post reported.
- The arrest: He was taken to a hospital with injuries. Police said he was arrested on drunken-driving charges just before 7 a.m. Sunday, according to the Post.
- Court: He was released at about 9:30 a.m. Sunday and is set to be arraigned Monday morning in a New Bedford court, the Post reported.
Oliver is charged, not convicted. No one else was reported hurt.
What the candidates said
Minogue posted on X at about 10:30 a.m. Central time Sunday that he had asked Oliver to quit the race.
“I am extremely disappointed. Shawn is lucky to be alive and lucky that no one innocent was hurt. There is no excuse for driving under the influence,” Minogue wrote. He said he would formally ask for Oliver’s resignation if elected.
Oliver’s campaign released his statement about three hours later.
“After careful reflection, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Lieutenant Governor,” Oliver said. “This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters.” He asked for privacy for his family.
The governor’s race
- The matchup: Minogue is challenging Democratic Gov. Maura Healey. He trails by about 19 points in recent polling averages, the Post reported.
- Early voting: Early voting is open until Oct. 30, Minogue said in a separate post Sunday.
- The ballot: It was not clear Sunday what happens to Oliver’s spot on the Republican ticket.
Sources: Mike Minogue on X, Oct. 18, 2026; Shawn Oliver campaign statement; New York Post; The Washington Times.
