Massachusetts Race: Healey Seeks Second Term Against Minogue

Maura Healey leads her Republican challenger Mike Minogue by wide margins in polls released before Election Day 2026. The race includes independent candidate Andrea James. Healey is seeking a second term as governor after serving as the state's first female chief executive since 2022.

Healey first won the governorship in 2022 after two terms as attorney general. She joined Oregon’s Tina Kotek as the first two women to hold the office in the United States. Minogue, a U.S. Army veteran and former CEO of Abiomed, won the Republican nomination. He spent millions of his personal fortune to fund a campaign that became contentious.

The two candidates debated twice on television. Minogue criticized Healey for her role in the state’s affordability crisis. Healey linked Minogue to President Donald Trump because of fundraising efforts in 2024. They also argued over proposals to suspend the state's gas tax and an endorsement from the Massachusetts State Police union.

Minogue claimed the union backed Healey for a better contract. Healey called the endorsement a political maneuver and distanced the union from Minogue. Minogue later clarified that his concerns targeted Healey, not the troopers.

The ticket became complicated by legal issues involving the lieutenant gubernatorial candidate. New Bedford City Councilor Oliver, Minogue’s running mate, suspended his campaign last month. He faced charges on Oct. 17. Minogue stated that Oliver would not serve as lieutenant governor if the Republican ticket won.

Voting took place Tuesday. Healey was scheduled to cast her ballot at Hardy Elementary School in Arlington in the morning. Minogue voted during the early voting period.