A late-night crash has thrown a Massachusetts Republican’s statewide campaign into turmoil just weeks before voters head to the polls.
Shawn Oliver, 42, the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor and a New Bedford city councilor, suspended his campaign on Sunday. The move came after Oliver was arrested following a rollover crash that involved five parked vehicles, police confirmed to Fox News Digital.
Officers responded around 11:40 p.m. Saturday to 448 Dartmouth St., where a vehicle had overturned after striking multiple parked vehicles, the New Bedford Police Department said. Two of the five parked vehicles sustained extensive damage.
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Oliver, identified by police as the driver, was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Following an investigation at the scene and at the hospital, officers arrested Oliver and charged him with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation and speeding, police said.
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Republican gubernatorial nominee Mike Minogue publicly called on Oliver to suspend his campaign.
“I am extremely disappointed. Shawn is lucky to be alive and lucky that no one innocent was hurt,” Minogue wrote on X. “There is no excuse for driving under the influence.”
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Minogue, a businessman and military veteran challenging Democratic Gov. Maura Healey, said he spoke with Oliver before demanding he step aside.
“After speaking with Shawn, I am asking him to suspend his campaign immediately, and when elected, I will formally ask for his resignation,” he wrote.
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Oliver confirmed his campaign suspension on X, saying “the election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters.”
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell said in a statement posted to Facebook that the crash happened in the city’s South End.
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“This morning, I was made aware that City Councilor Shawn Oliver was involved in a car accident in the South End and taken into custody,” Mitchell said. “I’m grateful to the New Bedford Police Department for their prompt response and relieved that no one was seriously injured.”
The Democratic mayor also called for Oliver to address the incident publicly.
“The allegations against Councilor Oliver are deeply concerning, and the public deserves to hear his explanation of what happened,” Mitchell said.
Minogue urged Oliver to focus on his family and take steps to prevent another incident.
“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,” Minogue wrote. “If he needs help with that, I will help him.”
He also took aim at his Democratic opponent.
“As governor, I will put the Commonwealth first. That starts with accountability, something Massachusetts has not seen from Maura Healey,” Minogue wrote.
The Massachusetts Department of Correction confirmed to Fox News Digital that Oliver, a New Bedford city councilor employed by the department, has been placed on restricted work duty following his arrest.
“Shawn Oliver has been placed on restricted work duty while all facts and circumstances are reviewed. He is currently assigned to the Massachusetts Treatment Center,” department spokesman Scott J. Croteau said.
The campaign suspension comes just weeks before the November election, with Minogue challenging Healey and Democratic Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll seeking another term.
