Mike Minogue Wins Republican Primary, Advances to November Showdown With Maura Healey

Massachusetts — Mike Minogue has won the Republican nomination for governor of Massachusetts, defeating Brian Shortsleeve in Tuesday’s Republican primary and securing his place on the November ballot against incumbent Democratic Gov. Maura Healey.

The victory marks a major milestone for Minogue, a former medical-device executive and political newcomer who entered the race promising to bring an outsider’s perspective and business experience to Beacon Hill. The Associated Press projected Minogue as the winner Tuesday night.

Minogue’s campaign built significant momentum throughout the primary season. He entered the race as the Massachusetts Republican Party’s endorsed candidate after receiving approximately 70% of the vote at the party’s April convention.

His primary victory now sets up a statewide contest with Healey, giving Massachusetts Republicans their nominee and an opportunity to present voters with an alternative to the current administration.

A Hard-Fought Republican Primary

Minogue’s victory came after a competitive primary against Shortsleeve, a former MBTA chief administrator and general manager who mounted a serious campaign of his own.

Shortsleeve brought extensive government and management experience to the race and gave Republican voters another strong choice during the primary. His campaign helped ensure that Republican voters had a genuine contest and a meaningful debate about the direction of the Commonwealth.

The Republican field also included former Baker administration official Mike Kennealy, who brought his own experience and perspective to the campaign before ending his bid earlier in the process.

While the candidates competed hard for the nomination, the conclusion of the primary provides an opportunity for Republicans to come together behind their nominee.

Both Shortsleeve and Kennealy have endorsed Minogue following their own campaigns, an important display of Republican unity heading into November.

Minogue Looks Ahead

For Minogue, the primary victory is the culmination of a campaign centered on changing the direction of Massachusetts government.

He has emphasized lowering costs, improving the state's business climate, addressing immigration and changing policies he believes have made Massachusetts less affordable and less competitive. His campaign has also highlighted his background as a business leader and his experience building a successful medical-device company.

Now, however, the primary is over.

With Shortsleeve and Kennealy supporting the nominee, Minogue enters the general election with an opportunity to unify Republicans behind a common goal: defeating Healey and putting a Republican in the governor’s office.

The road ahead will not be easy. Healey remains the incumbent and Massachusetts has been a difficult state for Republicans in recent statewide elections. But Minogue's primary victory demonstrates that Republican voters have chosen a clear direction.

For supporters of Minogue, Tuesday represents more than simply a primary win. It is the beginning of the campaign they have been waiting for.

Mike Minogue is officially the Republican nominee for governor of Massachusetts. Now the fight moves to

November.