Republican lieutenant gubernatorial candidate Shawn Oliver is suspending his campaign after he was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence following a multi-vehicle crash.
"This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters," Oliver said in a statement posted to Facebook Sunday afternoon. "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."
Oliver's decision comes after the Republican candidate for governor of Massachusetts, Mike Minogue, called on Oliver to suspend his campaign. He added that he was "extremely disappointed" after speaking to Oliver.
"Shawn is lucky to be alive and lucky that no one innocent was hurt. There is no excuse for driving under the influence," Minogue said in a statement posted to Facebook Sunday morning, before Oliver made his announcement.
"Shawn is a father and grandfather, and he needs to put his family first," Minogue continued. "He needs to do the work to ensure this never happens again. If he needs help with that, I will help him."
Candidates for governor and lieutenant governor run separately in party primaries, but they run on a joint ticket in the general election. Minogue said he would formally ask Oliver to resign if elected.
In a statement, Massachusetts Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Carnevale said she supported Oliver's decision.
"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," Carnevale said. "We also recognize that Shawn Oliver is holding himself accountable for his actions and facing the consequences of this situation."
The New Bedford Light, one of the first outlets to break the story, reported that Oliver was charged with operating under the influence in Bristol County, Massachusetts after crashing into multiple cars Saturday night in New Bedford. He was released from jail Sunday morning.
WAMC has reached out to the New Bedford Police Department, the Bristol County Sheriff's Office and the Bristol County District Attorney's Office.
Oliver is also a member of the New Bedford City Council.
