With two weeks to go before the election, a Republican candidate suspends his campaign after being arrested in Massachusetts
The candidate in question is Shawn Oliver, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts, who faces four charges after crashing into five cars in New Bedford.
Massachusetts Police, file photo / Joseph Prezioso
Shawn Oliver, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts, suspended his campaign after being arrested the previous night following a traffic accident. Specifically, he was charged with driving under the influence, among other charges. Since early voting has already begun in the state, Oliver will remain on the ballot for the November election.
According to the New Bedford police, on Saturday, October 17, Oliver's car crashed into five parked vehicles on Dartmouth Street around midnight and overturned. According to the Boston Globe, two of the vehicles sustained "extensive damage." Following the accident, the candidate was taken to St. Luke's Hospital and was released on Sunday morning, just a few hours after being arrested.
Oliver was charged with four counts related to the crash: driving under the influence, reckless driving, failing to stay within the marked lane, and speeding. The Republican is expected to appear before a judge on Monday.
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"After careful reflection, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Lieutenant Governor. This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters," Oliver said in a statement posted on his X account.
"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," he added.
Mike Minogue, a candidate for governor of Massachusetts, called on Oliver to withdraw his candidacy. "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," he wrote on X.
"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," he added.
On November 3, Minogue will face Democratic Governor Maura Healey, who was elected in 2022 and is seeking a second term.
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