Republican candidate forced out of race after suspected drunk driving crash leaves car overturned

The Republican candidate for lieutenant governor in Massachusetts withdrew from the race on Sunday following his arrest in a suspected drunk driving crash.

Shawn Oliver, a New Bedford city councilor and corrections officer, posted on X that he was stepping down because “the election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters.”

His running mate, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue, asked Oliver to suspend his campaign and said “when elected, I will formally ask for his resignation.”

“I am extremely disappointed,” Minogue stated on X. “There is no excuse for driving under the influence.”

Police said Oliver, 42, was arrested after a vehicle struck parked cars and flipped over late Saturday.

He was hospitalized for injuries and arrested on suspicion of operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation, marked lanes violation and speeding, police spokesperson Holly Huntoon said in an email. The New Bedford Light first reported the arrest.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, a Democrat, called the allegations “deeply concerning” and said the public deserves to hear from Oliver.

A phone message seeking comment was left for Oliver, who was raised in the city of 100,000 people 60 miles (97 kilometers) south of Boston and elected to the council in 2023.

Minogue, a businessman and military veteran, faces incumbent Democratic Gov. Maura Healey in November. Incumbent Kim Driscoll is the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor.

The lieutenant governor’s position in Massachusetts is largely ceremonial, though the officeholder is first in line to become governor if the governor resigns or dies.

Oliver has been placed on restricted work duty at the Massachusetts Treatment Center “while all facts and circumstances are reviewed,” state Department of Correction spokesperson Lindsay Corcoran said. The facility houses sex offenders and civilly committed individuals.