Republican Lt. Gov. candidate Shawn Oliver has suspended his campaign after being arrested on drunk driving charges and crashing into several parked vehicles Saturday night in New Bedford.
“After careful consideration, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Lieutenant Governor. This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters. I want to sincerely thank everyone who supported me throughout this journey and ask that my family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time,” Oliver said in a statement.
The charges come just over two weeks before the highly-anticipated general election, where Oliver’s name remains on the ballot.
Oliver, also a New Bedford City Councilor and Bristol County House of Corrections Officer, was released from the Ash Street Jail, the local lockup for the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office, on Sunday morning and went directly to his home just miles away.
“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,” MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale said in a written statement.
“We also recognize that Shawn Oliver is holding himself accountable for his actions and facing the consequences of this situation,” she said.
The Herald encountered Oliver’s wife outside his home, who said he was sleeping at the time and was “very hurt” over the situation, but declined further comment.
Oliver’s running-mate and GOP candidate for governor, Mike Minogue, had called on Oliver to suspend his campaign immediately after learning of the charges.
“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,” said Minogue.
“After speaking with Shawn, I am asking him to suspend his campaign immediately, and when elected, I will formally ask for his resignation. 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,” he said.
Local independent news outlet New Bedford Live captured the scene of Oliver’s violent crash, where it appears he crossed the road and struck a parked car head-on before flipping his own car and striking several other vehicles in the process.
The OUI crash comes just 17 days before Oliver and Minogue face off against Democratic Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll in the November 3 general election, and after two strong debate performances by Minogue.
The Herald has requested the police report and other relevant facts from Oliver’s alleged OUI crash from New Bedford Police.
— Developing
Candidate for Massachusetts lieutenant governor Shawn Oliver at the MassGOP convention. (Mark Stockwell/Boston Herald)