Massachusetts GOP Lieutenant Governor Hopeful Ends Bid After DUI Arrest

New Bedford, Massachusetts — Shawn Oliver, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts, suspended his campaign on Sunday, hours after police arrested him on suspicion of drunk driving following a car crash in his home city, according to the Associated Press.

What happened in the crash?

Police said Oliver, 42, was involved in a crash late Saturday in which a vehicle struck multiple parked cars before turning over. He was taken to a hospital for treatment of his injuries. New Bedford police spokesperson Holly Huntoon said in an email that Oliver was arrested on suspicion of operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation and speeding. The arrest was first reported by the New Bedford Light.

Why did Oliver end his campaign?

Oliver, a sitting New Bedford city councilor and a corrections officer, announced the suspension of his campaign in a post on X, saying "the election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters." He was born and raised in New Bedford, a city of about 100,000 people roughly 60 miles south of Boston.

What did his running mate say?

Mike Minogue, the Republican candidate for governor who had picked Oliver as his running mate, said on X that he had asked Oliver to immediately suspend his campaign and that "when elected, I will formally ask for his resignation." Minogue added, "I am extremely disappointed. There is no excuse for driving under the influence."

What happened in court?

Oliver appeared in court on Monday, where a judge suspended his driver's license, according to New England television station WJAR. The judge released him from custody on his own recognizance, meaning he was not required to post a bail bond, pending the outcome of the case.

How has New Bedford's mayor responded?

Jon Mitchell, New Bedford's Democratic mayor, called the allegations against Oliver "deeply concerning" and said the public deserved to hear from him about what happened. A phone message seeking comment from Oliver was not immediately returned, according to the Associated Press.

What the record shows

• Oliver faces four counts: operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation and speeding.
• The crash occurred late Saturday; his campaign suspension followed Sunday, and his court appearance came Monday.

The suspension removes a statewide Republican candidate from the Massachusetts ballot picture weeks ahead of the midterm cycle, though neither Oliver nor Minogue's campaign has detailed what, if any, formal steps will follow to fill the ticket. Court proceedings on the charges against Oliver are pending, and no trial date was reported.

For the original reporting and further detail on the court proceedings, see the Associated Press account via The Guardian.