Shawn Oliver, the 42-year-old Republican nominee for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts, was arrested early Sunday, October 18, on a drunk-driving charge after his SUV flipped over and smashed into five parked vehicles near his New Bedford home. Oliver, who was taken to a hospital for treatment before being booked at the Ash Street Jail, was released hours later and has now suspended his campaign, just 16 days before Election Day.
TL;DR: New Bedford police responded around 11:40 p.m. Saturday to a crash on Dartmouth Street, where Oliver’s SUV overturned after striking five parked cars, two of them extensively damaged. He faces charges of operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation, and speeding. Running mate Mike Minogue publicly called on Oliver to suspend his campaign, and Oliver complied Sunday afternoon — though his name will remain on the November 3 ballot.
A Violent Crash on Dartmouth Street
New Bedford police responded to reports at 448 Dartmouth Street around 11:40 p.m. Saturday after Oliver’s black SUV overturned, striking multiple parked vehicles near a Stop & Shop, according to police spokeswoman Holly Huntoon. Five parked vehicles were struck, with two sustaining “extensive damage,” she told the Washington Examiner.
Images from the scene showed Oliver’s SUV on its roof surrounded by heavily damaged cars. Police said he appeared to have crossed into the wrong lane and hit a parked car head-on, flipping his vehicle, and the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office took custody of him after New Bedford officers processed the scene.
Oliver, who also serves as a New Bedford city councilor, was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment. After the investigation, he was arrested and booked at the Ash Street Jail at approximately 6:45 a.m. Sunday on charges of operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation, and speeding. He was released on bail around 9:30 a.m. and is scheduled to be arraigned in a New Bedford court on Monday.
“No Excuse for Driving Under the Influence”
The political fallout was immediate. Oliver had been campaigning in Newton the day before, and early in-person voting statewide opened Saturday — meaning ballots were already being cast as the news broke.
Mike Minogue, the Republican nominee for governor and Oliver’s running mate, did not defend him. “I am extremely disappointed,” Minogue wrote on X. “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.”
Less than three hours later, Oliver issued a statement: “After careful reflection, 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 has supported me throughout this journey and ask that my family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.”
The Massachusetts Republican Party backed the decision. Chairwoman Amy Carnevale said, “Lives were put at risk and that is never acceptable. We now stand to assist Shawn in getting any help he needs to ensure he never puts himself or others in harm’s way again.” She also credited Oliver with holding himself accountable and facing the consequences.
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell said in a statement he was made aware of the incident Sunday morning and called the allegations against Oliver “deeply concerning,” adding that “the public deserves to hear his explanation of what happened.”
A Ballot That Can’t Be Fixed
Despite the suspension, Oliver’s name will remain on the November 3 ballot. Ballots were already printed and early voting began Saturday; by law, the last day to withdraw was September 4. Minogue said that if elected, he will ask Oliver to formally resign.
Oliver has not said whether he plans to keep his New Bedford City Council seat. When a reporter visited the family home Sunday, his wife said he was asleep and “very hurt” about the situation, and declined further comment.
Sources: Washington Examiner, New York Post, South Coast Today, Mass Daily News, South Coast 360
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shawn Oliver?
Shawn Oliver, 42, is a New Bedford city councilor who was the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts in the 2026 election, running alongside gubernatorial nominee Mike Minogue.
Why was Shawn Oliver arrested?
New Bedford police arrested Oliver early Sunday, October 18, after his SUV flipped over and struck five parked vehicles on Dartmouth Street. He was charged with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation, and speeding.
Was anyone injured in the crash?
Oliver himself was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment of injuries. No one else was reported injured; five parked vehicles were struck, two of them extensively damaged.
Did Shawn Oliver suspend his campaign?
Yes. Oliver announced Sunday afternoon that he was suspending his campaign for lieutenant governor, hours after his running mate Mike Minogue publicly asked him to do so.
Will Shawn Oliver still be on the ballot?
Yes. Ballots were already printed and early voting began October 17, so Oliver’s name will remain on the November 3 ballot. The deadline to withdraw was September 4.
What did Mike Minogue say about the arrest?
Minogue said he was “extremely disappointed,” adding that Oliver “is lucky to be alive and lucky that no one innocent was hurt. There is no excuse for driving under the influence.” He said he would ask Oliver to resign if they were elected.
When is Shawn Oliver’s arraignment?
Oliver was released from the Ash Street Jail around 9:30 a.m. Sunday and was scheduled to be arraigned in a New Bedford court on Monday, October 19.
Will Shawn Oliver keep his city council seat?
That remains unclear. Oliver has not said whether he plans to keep his New Bedford City Council seat.
