How would Mike Kennealy's leadership differ from Healey's?
Governor Healey and former economic secretary Mike Kennealy are both running for the state's highest government position in 2026, and they have very different ideas of how to lead the Bay State.
Mike Kennealy worked as a private equity manager, the economic secretary under former Governor Charlie Baker, and most recently as the Boys and Girls Club of Boston's chief strategy officer. While he says he is resisting labels, his campaign confirmed that he will be running as a Republican.
He says the state is moving in the wrong direction, especially in terms of affordability.
'The political class on Beacon Hill is more concerned with their future than with ours. Our beacon on a hill has become a beacon in the rearview mirror,' said Kennealy in his campaign launch video.
Kennealy has also expressed frustration and disagreement with the Healey administration's handling of energy prices, housing, and the migrant crisis.
He says he supports a secure federal border, signaling approval of the Trump administration's border control, and looks to reform right-to-shelter laws.
When Governor Healey announced her plans to run for reelection, she said her administration has 'a heck of a lot more to do,' and she pointed to her record as proof that she's the right person for the job.
There are several other potential Republican gubernatorial candidates, including Worcester Sheriff Lew Evangelidis, former MBTA leader Brian Shortsleeve, former U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton, and potentially western Massachusetts senator Peter Durant.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
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