Shawn Oliver Suspends MA Lt. Gov. Campaign After Crash

Shawn Oliver, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor in Massachusetts and a New Bedford city councilor, suspended his campaign hours after police arrested him following a single-car crash that left his vehicle overturned.

The 42-year-old corrections officer struck multiple parked vehicles near a shopping plaza on Dartmouth Street at approximately 11:40 p.m. on Saturday before his vehicle flipped over, according to police details. Emergency responders transported Oliver to St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment of his injuries before booking him on multiple motor vehicle charges.

Oliver Suspends Lieutenant Governor Campaign After Arrest

Following the incident, Oliver released a statement announcing his withdrawal from the statewide race.

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.

The New Bedford Light first broke the news of the arrest on Sunday morning.

Mike Minogue, Oliver’s running mate and the Republican candidate for governor, stated publicly that he demanded Oliver suspend his campaign immediately. Minogue added that if their ticket is victorious, he will formally ask for Oliver’s resignation from the largely ceremonial office.

Shawn is lucky to be alive and lucky that no one innocent was hurt. There is no excuse for driving under the influence.

Minogue faces incumbent Democratic Governor Maura Healey in the November 3 general election, where the opposing Democratic ticket features incumbent Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.

State Places Oliver on Restricted Work Duty

Beyond his role as a city councilor elected in 2023, Oliver works as a corrections officer at the Massachusetts Treatment Center. Lindsay Corcoran, a spokesperson for the state’s Department of Correction, confirmed via email that the state placed Oliver on restricted work duty while officials review the facts and circumstances of the arrest.

The medium-security facility where Oliver is employed houses sex offenders and individuals civilly committed as sexually dangerous persons. New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, a Democrat, described the allegations against the local official as deeply concerning, noting that the public deserves an explanation directly from Oliver regarding the events of Saturday night.

Meanwhile, Amy Carnevale, chair of the Massachusetts Republican Party, stated Sunday morning that party leadership learned of the accident through news reports and awaited further information. Authorities have not yet clarified whether Oliver has retained legal representation to address the criminal charges pending in district court.