Massachusetts GOP Lieutenant Governor Nominee Suspends Campaign After DUI Arrest
Shawn Oliver was arrested on charges including operating under the influence following a late-night rollover crash.
Massachusetts Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, Shawn Oliver, has suspended his campaign following his arrest on charges including operating under the influence of liquor and negligent operation of a motor vehicle. The New Bedford city councilor's decision came Sunday, just weeks before the November election.
Oliver, 42, was arrested around 11:40 p.m. Saturday after his vehicle overturned and struck five parked cars on Dartmouth Street in New Bedford, according to the New Bedford Police Department. Two of the parked vehicles sustained significant damage. Oliver was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment of his injuries before being arrested.
Republican gubernatorial nominee Mike Minogue publicly called for Oliver to suspend his campaign, stating, "There is no excuse for driving under the influence." Minogue, who had been campaigning alongside Oliver, also indicated that if elected, he would formally ask for Oliver's resignation.
Oliver confirmed his campaign suspension via X, formerly Twitter, stating, "the election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters." He added that he was "extremely disappointed" by the incident.
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell also commented on the incident, expressing gratitude to the police department and relief that no one was seriously injured. Mitchell called for Oliver to publicly address the situation.
The Massachusetts Department of Correction, where Oliver is employed, has placed him on restricted work duty pending a review of the incident. He is currently assigned to the Massachusetts Treatment Center.
Oliver's suspension creates turmoil for the Massachusetts GOP ticket, with Minogue challenging Democratic Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll seeking re-election.