Self-funded CEO claims GOP nomination to challenge Massachusetts Democrat’s second-term bid

Former medical device executive Mike Minogue won the Massachusetts gubernatorial primary on Tuesday, defeating Brian Shortsleeve, a former executive at the MBTA, the state-run transit agency.

The winner will now face favored Democratic Gov.

Maura Healey , who is running for a second term.

Massachusetts has had continuous Democratic representation in Congress since 1996, but Republicans have had considerably more success in races for the governor's mansion since the Reagan era.

Minogue emphasized his business credentials in campaign materials, citing his work at GE Healthcare before leading Danvers-based Abiomed.

GOP GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE FIGHTING TO FLIP BLUE STATE UNVEILS HEALTHCARE PLAN TO LOWER COSTS, EXPAND ACCESS Minogue said that while he was at Abiomed, the company developed the world’s smallest heart pump and doubled the size of its headquarters, increasing its in-state capabilities and creating jobs.

Minogue also drew attention on social media when Boston-based Canadian-American investor Kevin O’Leary — better known as Shark Tank’s "Mr.

Wonderful" — appeared in one of his videos and said that he does not usually "show for politicians." "Massachusetts is ‘dead-money’ now — we need a guy like this to run the show," O’Leary said in July.

TRUMP KEEPS WINNING REPUBLICAN PRIMARIES; HIS LOSSES MAY BE MORE REVEALING According to the Boston Herald, Healey launched a last-minute ad attacking Minogue as "MAGA Mike," which the newspaper said shows the executive "has Healey’s attention" and may help Shortsleeve.

Minogue won the state’s GOP convention endorsement with 70% of the vote, while Shortsleeve earned his ballot position with a fraction of a percentage point more than the required 15%, according to reports.

Minogue self-funded roughly $7 million of the more than $7.5 million he raised in the first quarter, hosted a fundraiser with Vice President JD Vance and has donated to Trump and the RNC.

Shortsleeve raised about $646,500 in the first quarter of 2026.

Healey was formally renominated Tuesday after running unopposed.

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