Massachusetts GOP Lieutenant Governor Candidate Suspends Campaign After Drunk Driving Crash

Shawn Oliver, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor in Massachusetts, has suspended his campaign following his arrest on drunken-driving charges after a multi-vehicle crash early Sunday morning. Oliver, 42, was taken to a hospital with injuries and arrested on charges of operating under the influence just before 7 a.m. Sunday, according to police.

The incident occurred around 11:40 p.m. Saturday in New Bedford when Oliver's car allegedly veered into the wrong lane, striking a parked car head-on and causing his vehicle to flip over. The overturned car then struck four additional parked vehicles. Dramatic images from the scene show Oliver's car on its roof amidst the wreckage of multiple damaged cars.

Oliver, who also serves as a New Bedford city councilor, was released from jail later Sunday morning and is scheduled for arraignment in New Bedford District Court on Monday.

His running mate, GOP gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue, issued a statement expressing disappointment and calling for Oliver's resignation. "Shawn is lucky to be alive and lucky that no one innocent was hurt. There is no excuse for driving under the influence," Minogue stated on X. "After speaking with Shawn, I am asking him to suspend his campaign immediately, and when elected, I will formally ask for his resignation."

Oliver released his own statement Sunday afternoon, announcing his decision to withdraw from the race. "This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters," Oliver 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."

The suspension of Oliver's campaign comes less than three weeks before the November 3 general election. Polling indicates that Minogue trails incumbent Democrat Maura Healey by an average of 19 percentage points.