Shawn Oliver arrested after New Bedford crash as Republican running mate urges him to suspend campaign

Massachusetts Republican lieutenant governor candidate Shawn Oliver faces four charges after a New Bedford crash, prompting Mike Minogue to call for him to suspend his campaign.

A late-night crash in New Bedford has put Massachusetts Republican lieutenant governor candidate Shawn Oliver under political pressure after his arrest on four motor vehicle charges, including operating under the influence of liquor.

Oliver, a Ward 3 member of the New Bedford City Council, was arrested after an SUV overturned and struck parked vehicles on Dartmouth Street at about 11:40 p.m. Saturday, according to police. Five vehicles were involved, and two sustained extensive damage.

CBS Boston, in a report by Matt Schooley updated October 18, said Oliver was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment before officers arrested him following an investigation at the scene and hospital. The charges are operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation and speeding. Oliver has not been found guilty of the allegations.

The arrest quickly triggered consequences for Oliver’s campaign. Mike Minogue, the Republican candidate for governor and Oliver’s running mate, called on him to suspend his campaign immediately after speaking with him.

“I am extremely disappointed,” Minogue said in a statement quoted by CBS Boston. He added that Oliver was fortunate no one innocent had been hurt and said there was “no excuse for driving under the influence.”

Minogue also said that, if elected governor, he would formally ask Oliver to resign. He urged the council member to focus on his family and take steps to ensure the incident did not happen again, offering to help if needed.

Massachusetts Republican Party chair Amy Carnevale said the party had only recently learned of the crash and was waiting for further information. Her response stopped short of taking a position on Oliver’s political future.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, a Democrat, said he was relieved no one had been seriously injured and called on Oliver to publicly explain what happened. Mitchell described the allegations as concerning, while emphasising the importance of hearing Oliver’s account.

Oliver and Minogue are running against Democratic incumbents Maura Healey and Kim Driscoll in the November 3 election. The incident comes during the final stretch of the campaign, placing scrutiny on the Republican ticket just weeks before voters head to the polls.

The investigation and legal process remain separate from the political response. Oliver’s arrest and charges do not establish guilt, but Minogue’s demand for a suspension has placed the future of their joint campaign in immediate question.