Shawn Oliver suspended his campaign for Massachusetts lieutenant governor just hours after he was arrested Sunday morning on charges of driving under the influence of liquor, he announced.
Oliver, 42, was previously running alongside businessman Mike Minogue, who is challenging incumbent Gov. Maura Healey in the gubernatorial race.
“After careful reflection, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Lieutenant Governor,” Oliver, who is a New Bedford city councilor, wrote. “This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey and ask that my family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.”
According to the New Bedford Police Department, officers arrived at 448 Dartmouth St. at 11:40 p.m. Saturday after receiving a report of a crash involving a car that overturned after hitting several other parked vehicles.
After an investigation at the crash scene, the driver of the car, Oliver, was arrested and charged with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation, and speeding.
Oliver was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital to be treated for his injuries.
Shortly after the arrest was confirmed, Minogue announced that he asked Oliver to suspend his campaign for lieutenant governor.
“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. After speaking with Shawn, I am asking him to suspend his campaign immediately, and when elected, I will formally ask for his resignation,” Minogue said. “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. If he needs help with that, I will help him.”
The Mayor of New Bedford, Jon Mitchell, also released a statement, saying that he was relieved that no one was injured in the crash:
“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. I’m grateful to the New Bedford Police Department for their prompt 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.”
Chairwoman of the Massachusetts Republican Party, Amy Carnevale, supporting Oliver’s decision to end his campaign:
“The MassGOP supports the decision of Shawn Oliver to suspend his campaign for Lieutenant Governor. 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,” Carnevale wrote. “We also recognize that Shawn Oliver is holding himself accountable for his actions and facing the consequences of this situation.”
According to Oliver’s campaign website, he was born and raised in New Bedford and has served as a corrections officer since 2013.
Oliver was elected to the New Bedford City Council in 2023, his website reads.
Oliver’s arrest comes just two weeks before Massachusetts voters head to the polls on Election Day, Nov. 3.
