Massachusetts Democratic Gov. Maura Healey coasted to her party’s gubernatorial nomination Tuesday night without facing a single primary opponent, allowing the progressive governor to avoid an intraparty fight.
At the same time, Republicans are choosing between two candidates seeking to end four years of Democratic control on Beacon Hill. The GOP primary has not yet been called.
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Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll are both running unopposed in the Democratic primary, while Republicans are deciding between former Abiomed CEO Mike Minogue and former Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority chief administrator Brian Shortsleeve.
Healey launched her reelection campaign in January by making opposition to President Donald Trump a central theme.
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“I ran for Governor to show up for people who need someone in their corner, to lower costs and increase opportunities, and we’re getting things done,” before adding, “But there’s more for us to do – a lot more – and that’s why I’m running for reelection: to lower costs, make life better, and stand up to Donald Trump,” Healey said.
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The Democrat enters the general-election campaign with substantial institutional support after securing the Massachusetts Democratic Party endorsement and nearly 400 endorsements from elected officials, unions and advocacy organizations, including Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts, GIFFORDS and the Massachusetts AFL-CIO.
But conservatives argue Healey’s first term has provided Republicans with plenty of ammunition, particularly over immigration, taxpayer spending, energy costs and her increasingly confrontational relationship with the Trump administration.
Perhaps no controversy has followed Healey more closely than Massachusetts’ migrant shelter crisis, during which the state converted roughly 100 hotels into temporary shelters as thousands of migrant and homeless families entered the emergency-assistance system, with spending at one point exceeding $1 billion annually before Healey ultimately closed the hotel shelters.
Healey insisted the reforms brought the system under control, but Republicans have hammered the administration over the enormous taxpayer price tag and argued the crisis reflected years of misguided priorities in one of the nation’s most immigrant-friendly states.
Additional criticism erupted over Massachusetts’ HomeBASE program, which can provide eligible families with up to $30,000 over two years to secure stable housing, with Massachusetts Republican Chair Amy Carnevale describing the policy as “simply shelters by another name.”
Healey’s office pushed back forcefully against claims that illegal immigrants could simply collect the benefits, saying, “Every family must have legal status and prove Massachusetts residency to be in the HomeBASE program. Governor Healey is the first Governor to require that.”
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Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey says that ICE deporting illegal immigrants should OUTRAGE every American..
I support ICE using even MORE force. pic.twitter.com/KHR3JVMvuH
— American AF 🇺🇸 (@iAnonPatriot) July 16, 2026
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is facing backlash from Catholics after saying she is a “proud Catholic,” following her signing of a law allowing abortions up to birth. pic.twitter.com/9Mb2pels5j
— Sachin Jose (@Sachinettiyil) August 17, 2026
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signs the bill for abortions up to birth as Democrats celebrate. pic.twitter.com/BlfTobYbeD
— LifeNews.com (@LifeNewsHQ) August 10, 2026
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Immigration returned to the center of the gubernatorial fight in August when Healey signed the PROTECT Act, legislation restricting civil immigration arrests without judicial warrants or court orders at locations including schools, health-care facilities and state property.
Both Republican candidates have vowed to repeal the measure, with Shortsleeve arguing that cooperation with federal immigration officers would actually reduce enforcement operations in Massachusetts communities.
“Look, I want ICE off the streets,” Shortsleeve said. “You know how you get ICE off the streets? You cooperate with the federal government, and you transfer criminal illegals in courthouses. To me, that’s a common sense solution.”
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Minogue offered an even sharper warning, saying, “I have heard firsthand from sheriffs, from law enforcement,” before adding, “They’re going to be releasing violent criminals or known drug dealers back into the communities once this goes into effect.”
Shortsleeve has blamed high taxes, regulations, and government costs for residents leaving Massachusetts, saying, “People can’t afford to live here,” and arguing that the state has become increasingly difficult for families and businesses.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
