Massachusetts lieutenant governor candidate Shawn Oliver arrested for drunk driving

Shawn Oliver, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor in Massachusetts, was arrested and charged with operating under the influence of alcohol on Saturday night. The Washington Examiner reported that the New Bedford Police Department responded to reports of an overturned vehicle around 11:40 p.m. at 448 Dartmouth Street. [1]

According to New Bedford Police Department spokeswoman Holly Huntoon, the vehicle struck five parked vehicles before coming to a stop. Huntoon told the Washington Examiner that two of the parked vehicles sustained extensive damage during the crash. [1]

The incident comes during the 2026 Massachusetts gubernatorial campaign. Democratic incumbent Maura Healey is running for a second term against Republican candidate Michael Minogue in the general election, which is scheduled for November 3, 2026. [2]