Kennealy and Shortsleeve Target Mayor Wu in GOP Gubernatorial Showdown
HYANNIS, MA — GOP gubernatorial candidates Mike Kennealy and Brian Shortsleeve united in a pointed critique of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu during a Friday evening appearance on Howie Carr’s radio show from Cape Gun Works. When prompted by a listener about which Massachusetts politician deserves “immediate retirement,” both candidates swiftly named Wu, highlighting their discontent with her leadership.
Shortsleeve launched into his criticism, calling Wu’s tenure a “complete disaster” for Boston. He tied the city’s struggles to broader state issues under Governor Maura Healey’s administration, arguing that policies from both leaders have stymied job growth in Massachusetts. “This state has taken a turn for the worse,” Shortsleeve asserted, pledging to cut taxes and utility bills as governor and criticizing Wu’s immigration stance of not collaborating with ICE.
Kennealy echoed Shortsleeve’s sentiments, emphasizing the poor performance of Boston Public Schools as a key reason for Wu’s shortcomings. He noted, “Boston Public Schools is among the most expensive urban schools in America,” and joined in calling out state Attorney General Andrea Campbell for failing to follow through on a promised audit.
In response, the Massachusetts Democratic Party dismissed the GOP candidates’ remarks as politically motivated, with Chair Steve Kerrigan suggesting they were embarrassed by their own campaign as evidenced by their choice of timing for the debate. He further criticized them for not addressing critical issues related to former President Trump’s policies impacting Massachusetts residents.
As the candidates prepare for further debates, the rhetoric surrounding the gubernatorial race continues to heat up, with an increased focus on local leadership and statewide policies.
The debate highlights a growing chasm between the parties as Massachusetts approaches the upcoming gubernatorial election.
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