Massachusetts GOP gubernatorial candidates weigh possibility of a primary debate

Tim Dunn, Boston Herald on Dec 10, 2025

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

BOSTON — A future debate between the three Republican candidates for Massachusetts governor is up in the air as Mike Kennealy is calling on his competitors to join him on stage.

Kennealy posted a video to his campaign’s official Facebook page on Monday, calling on primary competitors Mike Minogue and Brian Shortsleeve to join him for a debate.

“Weeks ago, I called for debates among Republican candidates. I enlisted moderators and debate hosts that were ready to go, but right now there are no Republican debates scheduled in the race for governor,” Kennealy said.

“After the primary in September 2026, at some point, there will be two candidates on a debate stage: Gov. Maura Healey, who has ran for and won statewide office three times, and a Republican nominee for governor that’s got to make the case for why Gov. Healey has got to go and why they’re the best person to lead the state forward.”

The Shortsleeve campaign tells the Herald he’s ready to debate his opponents “anytime, anywhere.”

“Brian Shortsleeve will debate his two primary opponents anytime, anywhere,” said Shortsleeve campaign strategist Holly Robichaud.

“Debates will give Republican voters the opportunity to see that Brian Shortsleeve is the only real conservative in the race, the only candidate who supports full repeal of the MBTA Communities Act, the only candidate who is standing up to Maura Healey’s tripling of the auto excise tax, and the only candidate who can go toe-to-toe with Healey on a debate stage and win. Any candidate who chickens out isn’t fit to be our nominee,” she said.

As for Minogue, the GOP megadonor isn’t rushing to the debate stage just yet. His campaign says Minogue is instead keeping his focus on meeting Massachusetts voters.

“The time for debates will come. Mike’s getting out and meeting everyone right now. This week he’s on the road campaigning in Plymouth County and Cape Cod and continuing to meet voters across the state,” Minogue campaign spokesperson Erin Maguire told the Herald in a statement.

Kennealy’s campaign fired back at both candidates, touting his participation in candidate forums and his record of holding public events.

“Mike Minogue is hiding in the basement and Brian Shortsleeve is hoping he stays there. Meanwhile, Mike Kennealy has now attended 100 public events, participated in candidate forums without his opponents and stood shoulder to shoulder with Republican activists to rebuild our party. Republicans deserve to hear the candidates debate,” said Kennealy Campaign Communications Director Logan Trupiano. “If Shortsleeve and Minogue can’t muster the courage to join a Republican primary debate, how do they intend to take on Maura Healey?”

________