GOP nominee for Massachusetts lieutenant governor suspends campaign after OUI crash

GOP nominee for Massachusetts lieutenant governor suspends campaign after OUI crash

Five parked cars hit as his own car flipped

New Bedford police responded to a reported crash near a shopping plaza on Dartmouth Street at about 11:40 p.m. Saturday and found a car that had overturned after striking five parked vehicles, two of which sustained extensive damage. The driver, police said, was Shawn Oliver, 42 — a New Bedford city councilor representing Ward 3, an officer with the Bristol County house of corrections, and the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts.

Four charges, including drunken driving

After investigating at the crash scene and at the hospital, police charged Oliver with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation and speeding. He was hurt in the crash and taken to St. Luke's Hospital for treatment, then placed under arrest.

Booked at 6:46 a.m., out in under three hours

Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux said Oliver was booked at the Ash Street jail at about 6:46 a.m. Sunday and released around 9:30 a.m., less than three hours later. The State House News Service reported that he is set to be arraigned in a New Bedford court Monday morning.

Running mate Minogue: suspend immediately

At about 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Republican gubernatorial nominee Mike Minogue said on Facebook that he had spoken with Oliver and was asking him to suspend his campaign immediately. "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," Minogue wrote, adding that he would formally ask for Oliver's resignation if the two are elected. "Shawn is a father and grandfather, and he needs to put his family first."

Oliver: this election 'too important'

By Sunday afternoon Oliver had complied, announcing in a statement that he was suspending his campaign. "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," he said, thanking supporters and asking that his family's privacy be respected during "this difficult time."

Massachusetts GOP backs the decision

State Republican Party chair Amy Carnevale said the party supported the move. "Lives were put at risk and that is never acceptable. We now stand to assist Shawn in getting any help he needs to ensure he never puts himself or others in harm's way again," she said, adding that Oliver is holding himself accountable and facing the consequences.

Democratic mayor wants an explanation

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, a Democrat, said in a statement around noon Sunday that he was grateful for the police response and relieved that no one was seriously injured. "The allegations against Councilor Oliver are deeply concerning, and the public deserves to hear his explanation of what happened," he said.

Seventeen days before Election Day

The crash comes 17 days before the Nov. 3 state election, in which Oliver and Minogue are challenging Democratic Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. It follows the race's only lieutenant governor debate, held Tuesday on GBH, where Oliver and Driscoll clashed over affordability and immigration. Oliver originally ran as the running mate of businessman Brian Shortsleeve, who lost the September Republican primary for governor to Minogue.

His name stays on the ballot

Suspending a campaign does not remove a candidate from a Massachusetts ballot. Ballots are already printed and early in-person voting began Saturday, Oct. 17; the legal window to withdraw or to replace a nominee has closed, so Oliver will still appear on the Nov. 3 ballot alongside the GOP gubernatorial nominee. If Minogue wins, Oliver would be elected lieutenant governor — which is why Minogue says he would then ask for his resignation.

Pressure also lands on his council seat

Oliver, first elected to the New Bedford City Council in 2023 to fill a Ward 3 vacancy, has not said whether he will give up that seat, and the mayor's demand for an explanation keeps that question open. Monday morning's arraignment sets the next legal milestone, while the GOP ticket faces the harder political task of the final two weeks.