Shawn Oliver, the Republican nominee for the lieutenant governor race in Massachusetts, has suspended his campaign following an OUI in New Bedford.
https://t.co/WTu0rJOfvw
— Shawn Oliver for Lt. Governor (@OliverForLG) October 18, 2026
#Breaking: #Republican Lt. Gov. candidate Shawn Oliver @OliverForLG has been arrested on OUI charges after crashing into numerous parked cars last night in New Bedford. He was released after posting bail this morning. 📸: New Bedford Live #Massachusetts #ShawnOliver #NewBedford #politics #mapoli
— Tim Dunn (@ConsiderMeDunn) October 18, 2026
Oliver is said to have crashed into multiple parked vehicles on Saturday night, and is facing charges for the incident. He posted bail the following morning.
Mike Minogue, the Republican gubernatorial candidate, took to social media to express his displeasure with his running mate and to encourage Oliver to cease all campaigning. He also promised to demand Oliver’s resignation upon taking office should they win in November.
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. After speaking with Shawn, I am asking him to suspend his campaign immediately, and when elected, I will formally ask for his resignation. Shawn is a father and grandfather, and he needs to put his family first. He needs to do the work to ensure this never happens again. If he needs help with that, I will help him. As governor, I will put the Commonwealth first. That starts with accountability, something Massachusetts has not seen from Maura Healey.
— Mike Minogue | MA Gov Candidate (@mikeminoguema) October 18, 2026
“This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters,” Oliver said in a release on social media. “I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me through this journey and ask that my family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.”
Oliver’s OUI charges come as just 16 days remain until Election Day.
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