Shawn Oliver, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, has suspended his campaign hours after he was arrested on a charge of operating under the influence late Saturday.

“After careful reflection, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Lieutenant Governor,” Oliver, a New Bedford City Councilor, said in a Facebook post on Sunday afternoon. “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.”

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