A future debate between the three Republican candidates for Massachusetts governor is up within the air as Mike Kennealy is looking on his opponents to affix him on stage.
Kennealy posted a video to his marketing campaign’s official Fb web page on Monday, calling on main opponents Mike Minogue and Brian Shortsleeve to affix 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 mentioned.
“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 marketing campaign tells the Herald he’s able to debate his opponents “anytime, anywhere.”
“Brian Shortsleeve will debate his two primary opponents anytime, anywhere,” mentioned Shortsleeve marketing 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 mentioned.
As for Minogue, the GOP megadonor isn’t dashing to the talk stage simply but. His marketing campaign says Minogue is as an alternative protecting his concentrate on assembly 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 marketing campaign spokesperson Erin Maguire informed the Herald in an announcement.
Kennealy’s marketing campaign fired again at each candidates, touting his participation in candidate boards and his file of holding public occasions.
“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,” mentioned Kennealy Marketing 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?”
