Shawn Oliver, the Republican running mate of Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue, suspended his campaign Sunday after being arrested in connection with a late-night car crash, just weeks before Election Day.
Oliver, a city council member, is facing one count of operating under the influence (OUI), along with several other charges.
“After careful reflection, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Lieutenant Governor,” Oliver said in a statement posted to social media Sunday. “This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey and ask that my family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.”
According to New Bedford police, who spoke with The Boston Globe, Oliver flipped his car after striking five parked vehicles late Saturday night. Two of those vehicles sustained “extensive damage,” police said.
A department spokesperson said officers learned of the crash at around 11:40 p.m. After first responders arrived on the scene, Oliver was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford to be treated for injuries.
Local outlet The New Bedford Light reported that Oliver was alone at the time of the crash and did not appear to be hurt.
The Globe reported that Oliver faces charges of operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation and speeding.
He was released at around 9:30 a.m. Sunday, less than three hours after he was booked, according to State House News Service. His arraignment is scheduled for Monday morning.
The Hill reported that it had reached out to the New Bedford Police Department for more information.
Oliver’s decision to step aside came after Minogue, the GOP nominee for governor, publicly called on him to do so.
“I am extremely disappointed,” Minogue wrote on social media Sunday. “Shawn is lucky to be alive and lucky that no one innocent was hurt. There is no excuse for driving under the influence. After speaking with Shawn, I am asking him to suspend his campaign immediately, and when elected, I will formally ask for his resignation.”
Minogue said he will help Oliver “do the work to ensure this never happens again,” and vowed that as governor he will “put the Commonwealth first.”
The Republican candidate then turned his fire on his Democratic opponent, Gov. Maura Healey.
“That starts with accountability, something Massachusetts has not seen from Maura Healey,” Minogue said.
Oliver had been seeking to replace Democratic Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll.
Massachusetts Republican Party Chair Amy Carnevale told the Globe that she “supports” Oliver’s decision to suspend his campaign.
“Lives were put at risk and that is never acceptable,” Carnevale said.
The arrest and campaign suspension come more than two weeks before Massachusetts voters head to the polls.
Republicans already faced an uphill battle in the deep-blue Bay State. Decision Desk HQ projects a safe win for Healey, giving the Democratic incumbent a 99 percent probability of defeating Minogue.
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