A Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts has abruptly suspended his campaign after being arrested in connection with a late-night crash that left his SUV overturned and several parked vehicles damaged.
Shawn Oliver, 42, a New Bedford city councilor and correctional officer, announced his decision Sunday, October 18, just hours after being released from police custody.
The arrest came less than three weeks before the November 3 election and prompted an immediate backlash from his running mate, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue.
According to the New Bedford Police Department, officers responded to a crash near 448 Dartmouth Street around 11:40 p.m. Saturday after receiving reports that a vehicle had struck several parked cars before overturning.
Investigators said Oliver was driving the SUV, which reportedly collided with five parked vehicles. Two sustained extensive damage.
Oliver was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment before being taken into custody early Sunday morning.
Police charged him with operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, speeding and a marked lanes violation. No injuries to anyone other than Oliver were reported.
Following his arrest, Minogue publicly called on his running mate to withdraw from the campaign.
“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 on social media.
He added that Oliver needed to prioritize his family and ensure that a similar incident never happened again, offering to help him obtain assistance if necessary.
Hours later, Oliver announced he was stepping away from the race.
“After careful reflection, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Lieutenant Governor,” he wrote.
“This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters,” he continued, thanking supporters and requesting privacy for his family.
The controversy has also raised questions about Oliver’s other public responsibilities.
Oliver, who was elected to the New Bedford City Council in 2023, works as a correctional officer at the Massachusetts Treatment Center. Following his arrest, the state’s Department of Correction confirmed that he had been placed on restricted duty while officials reviewed the circumstances.
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell also addressed the incident, describing the allegations as deeply concerning and emphasizing that the public deserved an explanation.
Meanwhile, Massachusetts Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Carnevale supported Oliver’s decision to suspend his campaign, saying the incident had put lives at risk and that the party would help him seek any assistance he might need.
Despite Oliver’s withdrawal, his name is expected to remain on the November ballot because early voting has already begun and the deadline for replacing candidates has passed.
Minogue is challenging Democratic Gov. Maura Healey, who is seeking reelection alongside incumbent Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll.
The Massachusetts lieutenant governor serves as the governor’s second-in-command and would assume the state’s highest office if the governor were unable to continue serving.
Oliver’s arrest has complicated the Republican ticket’s final stretch of campaigning, although his decision to suspend his campaign does not automatically remove him from the election.
He was scheduled to appear in New Bedford District Court on Monday, October 19, to face the charges.
Authorities have not announced additional charges, and the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation. Oliver is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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