Somerset GOP Chair Jessica Machado Faces Backlash Over Censorship and Leadership at Candidates Debate

SOMERSET, MA — Somerset Republican Town Committee Chair Jessica Machado is facing growing criticism after restricting photography and video at a recent candidates debate held at the Somerset Council on Aging — a publicly funded building. Town documents show the event was listed as open to the public, meaning attendees were legally permitted to record.

Witnesses say Machado threatened to remove individuals who attempted to document the event and warned that police would be called if filming continued. While no one was removed, the incident raised concerns about transparency and control at what many expected to be an open civic forum.

The controversy is amplified by Machado’s past as a contributor for Fall River Reporter. Critics say it’s ironic that someone who once championed open access to information is now being accused of restricting it. “She used to advocate for transparency — now she’s policing who can report the news,” said one local Republican activist.

Machado also reportedly placed blame on both Republican gubernatorial candidates for the no-recording policy. However, individuals familiar with the campaigns stated no such restrictions were requested, suggesting the directive came from Machado herself.

Within the Somerset Republican Town Committee, internal dissatisfaction is on the rise. Several members, speaking off the record, said her leadership has increasingly isolated the committee from the broader Massachusetts Republican Party. Conversations about replacing Machado as chair have reportedly gained traction in recent weeks.

“She’s running the committee like it’s hers alone,” said one member. “There’s a clear disconnect between her decisions and the values we’re supposed to represent.”

The situation escalated further when State Committeewoman Kayla Churchill received a strongly worded message from the wife of newly elected Selectman Todd Costa. The message reportedly criticized Churchill for exercising her First Amendment rights by attempting to document the public event. Churchill confirmed the exchange, calling it “disheartening.”

The episode has led to broader concerns about whether some local Republican officials — or their families — are truly upholding conservative principles, particularly around free speech and government transparency.

As pressure mounts, many within the Somerset GOP say the committee is at a turning point. For now, all eyes are on whether changes in leadership will follow the growing calls for accountability and openness.

Jessica Machado has not issued a public comment regarding the incident.