FILE-The Massachusetts State House is shown on January 16, 2026. (Photo by Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
A Republican candidate for lieutenant governor in Massachusetts has dropped out of the race hours after his arrest in a suspected drunk driving crash.
Shawn Oliver, a city councilor in New Bedford, Massachusetts and a corrections officer, was arrested on suspicion of operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lane violation and speeding, police spokesperson Holly Huntoon said in an email obtained by The Associated Press.
RELATED: NYC mayoral candidate Brad Lander arrested, released by ICE
According to the AP, Oliver’s decision to exit the campaign came after his running mate, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue, stated he asked Oliver to immediately suspend his campaign and that "when elected, I will formally ask for his resignation."
Massachusetts Republican candidate DUI arrest
Dig deeper:
Authorities told The Associated Press that Shawn Oliver was arrested after he was involved in a car crash late Saturday involving a vehicle that hit multiple parked vehicles before turning over. Oliver was taken to the hospital for injuries before his arrest.
Oliver, 42, was born and raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts, which is roughly 60 miles south of Boston and was elected to the city council in 2023.
What they're saying:
In an X post, Oliver said he was ending his campaign because "the election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters."
Lindsay Corcoran, a spokesperson for the state's Department of Correction, sent an email obtained by the AP explaining that Oliver was placed on restricted work duty at his job at the Massachusetts Treatment Center "while all facts and circumstances are reviewed."
Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue faces incumbent Democratic Gov. Maura Healey on the November ballot. The AP noted that the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor is incumbent Kim Driscoll.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by The Associated Press, which cites from Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue, and email statements from a police spokesperson and Massachusetts Department of Corrections spokesperson. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.