The campaign for businessman and Republican donor Mike Minogue in Massachusetts unveiled a new ad purchase on Monday, shortly after he officially entered the race.
Among the ads is a 60-minute statewide spot that first aired on Sunday night during an NFL game featuring the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills, accompanied by a 30-second ad.
The news about the ad purchases was initially reported by The Hill.
In the advertisement, Minogue reflects on his childhood experience selling coffee during the 1970s gas crisis, along with his leadership roles in the Army, including serving with the Rangers and at West Point. He also discusses his time as CEO of Abiomed, a medical device company based in Massachusetts.
Minogue states, “From soldiers to CEOs, I’m running to become a new kind of governor,” after addressing the escalating cost of living in the Bay State.
Affordability has been a key issue since his campaign announcement last week.
“People are overwhelmed by rising costs and ignored by politicians who prioritize their own interests over public service,” Minogue remarked. “Hardworking individuals, who are instrumental in building our communities, nurturing our children, and managing expenses, feel abandoned. The current one-party system isn’t serving us well.”
This ad purchase coincides with Minogue’s efforts to challenge incumbent Governor Maura Healy (D) in the upcoming gubernatorial election.
Minogue is the latest Republican candidate to enter a competitive primary in this predominantly Democratic state. Mike Kennelly and Brian Shortsleeve, both veterans of former Governor Charlie Baker’s (R) administration, have also announced their candidacies, holding prominent positions in state leadership.
Baker was the last Republican governor of Massachusetts before stepping down in 2023 after two terms.
While Republicans have seen some success in Massachusetts, future GOP candidates, including Minogue, are expected to encounter challenges against Healy. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report has categorized the race as “solidly Democratic.”
In a statement last week, the Democratic Governors Association criticized Minogue, labeling him a “Maga Mega Donor.”
They asserted, “As governor, Minogue could bring Donald Trump’s divisive agenda to Beacon Hill, which could result in increased costs, reduced healthcare access, cuts to cancer research, and threats to fundamental freedoms.”
