Massachusetts Democratic Party Leader Arrested for DUI
The leader of the Massachusetts Democratic Party was arrested last month during a traffic stop on suspicion of driving under the influence. Notably, he acknowledged to prosecutors shortly afterward that the evidence could indeed support a conviction, as outlined in state court records.
Records from Westboro District Court indicate that on June 15—just two days following the traffic incident in Southboro—Steve Kerrigan, the state Democratic Party Chairman, filed a motion for a “sufficient admission of fact.” This essentially means he conceded the prosecutors had adequate evidence for a conviction. Consequently, a judge proceeded with the operating under the influence (OUI) liquor charge without any additional evidence.
Along with the OUI charge, Kerrigan, who is 54, faced charges for negligent driving and a gross lane violation. The charge for negligent driving was dismissed, and he was found not responsible for the lane violation.
The judge issued a one-year probation term for Kerrigan, suspended his driver’s license for 45 days, imposed $600 in fees, and mandated that he complete a program for disabled driver education.
Background on Steve Kerrigan
Kerrigan took office as the chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party in 2023. He has a background in politics as a Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor in 2014 and previously worked as an executive for the Democratic National Convention Committee. Additionally, he serves as president and CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center.
A report from the Southboro Police Department noted that shortly after midnight on June 13, an officer observed Kerrigan’s BMW straying across a lane divider, prompting the stop.
The officer reported that Kerrigan had “glassy,” red, and bloodshot eyes, and his speech was slow and slurred. Interestingly, they couldn’t smell alcohol, citing an “overwhelming odor of cologne” instead.
Kerrigan claimed he had two beers around 6 p.m. before heading home from a restaurant. Following a field sobriety test, a breath sample indicated a blood alcohol content of 0.089 percent, exceeding the legal limit of 0.08 percent in Massachusetts.
In a statement relayed via his attorney, Kerrigan confirmed the incident. He expressed regret, stating, “In June, I was pulled over for a flagrant lane violation and my breathalyzer read 0.089. I am remorseful, take full responsibility for my actions and their consequences, and am grateful for the professionalism and service of the Southboro Police Department and Westboro Courts.”
As for the Massachusetts Democratic Party, they did not respond immediately to inquiries for comment.
