Mike Minogue Announces Gubernatorial Candidacy in Massachusetts

Reflecting on his journey, Mike Minogue describes his evolution from “soldier to CEO.” Now, he, along with fellow Republican veterans and business leaders, is gearing up for a new endeavor as he announces his bid for governor in Massachusetts, where Democratic Governor Maura Healy is seeking reelection next year.

During a campaign launch video shared on Wednesday, Minogue pointed out that “workers are left behind” and criticized the current “one-party system,” suggesting it’s time for a fresh approach with a new style of civil servant.

“I’m running to be a new kind of governor with faith, heart, and grit to serve,” he stated.

A West Point graduate and former Airborne Ranger, Minogue earned a Bronze Star during Operation Desert Storm in the Gulf War of 1991. He recounted how his military experience eventually brought him back to Massachusetts, leading to a lengthy tenure of 19 years as CEO of Abiomed, a company known for creating the world’s smallest heart pump.

Minogue, who is also a father of five, expressed, “I have dedicated my life to confronting challenges head-on and making a substantial impact.” His campaign’s agenda emphasizes issues pertaining to affordability, accountability, and recovery of opportunities, including proposals for tax cuts.

He is now the third major Republican candidate in the race, joining former Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development Mike Kennelly and Brian Shortsleeve, the acting general manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Agency.

Meanwhile, in the Democratic primaries, Healy faces a significant challenge from criminal justice advocate Andrea James. Although Democrats hold a strong grip on both federal elections and state legislative meetings in Massachusetts, Republicans have previously found success in gubernatorial contests. Before Healy’s win in 2022, the GOP secured six out of the last eight elections for governor in the state.