Republicans Battle for Massachusetts Gubernatorial Nomination

Republican candidates Brian Shortsleeve and Mike Minogue competed in the Massachusetts primary election on September 1, 2026, to secure the nomination for governor. The winner of the primary will face incumbent Governor Maura Healey in the November general election. While Healey is seeking a second term and faces no primary opponents, Minogue entered the final stages of the Republican contest leading Shortsleeve in polling.

Both candidates campaigned on platforms focused on reducing the cost of living, lowering taxes, and cutting state spending. They also shared a commitment to ending the sanctuary status of Massachusetts and terminating tax-funded benefits for migrants. Shortsleeve, a Marine veteran and former MBTA administrator, centered his campaign on restoring affordability for residents.

Minogue, an Army veteran and CEO of Abiomed, focused his platform on maintaining the state's quality of life for families and entrepreneurs. The primary concluded with polls closing at 8 p.m. EDT on Tuesday.