Massachusetts Gov. Healey takes a hit in approval rating according to new poll

Tim Dunn, Boston Herald on Apr 24, 2026

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BOSTON — Gov. Maura Healey has taken a hit in her approval rating, which dropped seven points in a new UNH Survey Center poll released on Thursday, with 51% of respondents either disapproving of her job performance as governor or left undecided as the 2026 election draws closer.

The UNH poll found that Healey’s net approval rating fell from plus 11 in February to plus 4 in the latest survey, with 49% of respondents approving of her performance as governor. The poll found 75% of Democrats, 45% of Independents, and just 2% of Republicans approving of her performance in the Corner Office. As for the other 51% of respondents, 45% disapprove of Healey’s performance, while 6% were left undecided.

Healey took several hits from respondents on her handling of the economy, housing, maintenance of roads and bridges, and the cost of living, according to the poll.

“Healey earns her highest marks for her handling of education (44% approve), while residents are divided on her handling of crime (28% approve, 33% disapprove), and the economy (37% approve, 40% disapprove). Pluralities disapprove of Healey’s handling of taxes (41%) and roads and bridges (41%). Majorities disapprove of her handling of housing (53%) and the cost of living (52%),” the UNH Survey Center wrote.

“Majorities of Democrats approve of Healey’s handling of these issues, other than the cost of living. Independents are somewhat positive of Healey’s handling of education and crime, but few approve of her handling of roads and bridges, the cost of living, or housing. Republicans are overwhelmingly negative in their assessment of Healey on these issues apart from education,” it said.

Yet despite the hit to her approval rating, Healey still maintains a sizable lead over the three Republican candidates for governor; however, all three candidates have closed the gap since the last UNH poll in February.

In a contest between Healey and Mike Minogue, 52% of respondents said they would vote for Healey, with 32% saying they would vote for Minogue and 15% undecided. That’s a slight improvement for Minogue since his 27% score in February, with Healey dropping from 56% in that month.

It’s essentially the same outlook for Healey in a matchup against Mike Kennealy, with the former Secretary of Housing and Economic Development also getting support from 32% of respondents, with 53% saying they would vote for Healey. A total of 13% of respondents were undecided. That shows a 5-point improvement for Kennealy since UNH’s February poll, with a 2-point drop for Healey.

Against Brian Shortsleeve, 51% of respondents said they would vote for Healey, versus 29% for Shortsleeve. A total of 17% of respondents were undecided. That shows an increase of one point for Shortsleeve since the February poll and a five-point drop for Healey.

This latest polling is being released as the 2026 election draws closer and as Republican delegates select nominees for various races at the Massachusetts GOP Convention set for Saturday at the Worcester DCU Center.

The Herald has reached out to the governor’s office for comment.

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