GOP Lt. Gov. candidate Shawn Oliver arraigned on operating under the influence charges

Tim Dunn, Boston Herald on Oct 19, 2026

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BOSTON — A battered Republican Lt. Gov. candidate Shawn Oliver was arraigned in New Bedford District Court on Monday morning on operating under the influence charges following a violent crash into several parked cars Saturday night.

Oliver, with a noticeable head injury held together with surgical staples, declined to comment on his charges, the suspension of his campaign, or whether he spoke directly to running mate and GOP candidate for governor Mike Minogue before and since ending his political bid while exiting court with his attorney, John Hendrie.

Oliver pleaded not guilty to a charge of operating under the influence, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, speeding and a marked lanes violation. He was released on personal recognizance and ordered not to operate a motor vehicle while his case is pending. He will next be in court for a pretrial hearing on Nov. 16.

The charges come just over two weeks before the highly anticipated general election, where Oliver’s name remains on the ballot.

A New Bedford City Councilor and state corrections officer, Oliver was arrested Saturday night after allegedly crashing his car into at least five parked vehicles late Saturday night. He was released from the Ash Street Jail, the local lockup for the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office, on Sunday morning and went directly to his home just miles away.

Just hours later, per the request of Minogue, Oliver announced that he was suspending his campaign.

“After careful consideration, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Lieutenant Governor. This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters. I want to sincerely thank everyone who supported me throughout this journey and ask that my family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time,” Oliver said in a statement.

Local independent news outlet New Bedford Live captured the scene of Oliver’s violent crash, where it appears he crossed the road and struck a parked car head-on before flipping his own car and striking several other vehicles in the process.

“I am extremely disappointed. Shawn is lucky to be alive and lucky that no one innocent was hurt. There is no excuse for driving under the influence,” said Minogue after learning of Oliver’s charges.

“After speaking with Shawn, I am asking him to suspend his campaign immediately, and when elected, I will formally ask for his resignation. Shawn is a father and grandfather, and he needs to put his family first. He needs to do the work to ensure this never happens again. If he needs help with that, I will help him,” he said.

The OUI charges and crash come just 17 days before Oliver and Minogue face off against Democratic Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll in the November 3 general election, and after two strong debate performances by Minogue.

While Oliver has suspended his campaign, his name will remain on the ballot next Minogue during the November 3 general election. If Minogue sticks to asking for Oliver’s resignation, if elected, there would be no lieutenant governor for the entirety of his four-year term.

The Herald has requested the police report and other relevant facts from Oliver’s alleged OUI crash from New Bedford Police.

Gov. Healey’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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