Republican Mike Kennealy officially announces run for Governor of Massachusetts

Republican Mike Kennealy officially announced his run for Governor of Massachusetts on Monday, making him the first formal challenger to incumbent Democratic Governor Maura Healey in the 2026 gubernatorial race.

Kennealy, a Lexington resident with a background in private equity and public service, served as Secretary of Housing and Economic Development under Governor Charlie Baker from 2018 to 2022. During his tenure, he focused on economic recovery, housing policy, and workforce development, including significant housing reforms and pandemic response efforts.

Kennealy launched his campaign with a video asserting that Massachusetts is “heading in the wrong direction.”

“Everything from gas to housing to taxes is too expensive. Too many kids aren’t receiving the education they need to compete in a global economy. Our transportation system is still broken. The unspeakable violence in migrant shelters is a human tragedy and a national embarrassment… Our beacon on a hill has become a beacon in the rearview mirror,” said Kennealy in the video. “I’m running for Governor because I believe in the unlimited potential of our state through the power of our people.”

Kennealy’s background includes over 15 years at Spectrum Equity, where he helped manage nearly $5 billion in assets, and earlier work at TA Associates. He also served as a Special Advisor to the Receiver at Lawrence Public Schools (2013-2015), aiding its turnaround. Post-Baker administration, he joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston as Chief Strategy Officer in 2023, focusing on youth development. A Dartmouth and Harvard Business School graduate, he has never run for public office before.

“Massachusetts deserves a Governor who will work with its people, not against them. Who knows how to manage public finances, not derail them, and who is willing to build coalitions to do the work of the people,” said Kennealy for Governor Campaign Manager Ben Hincher. “Mike Kennealy’s lifetime of creating jobs and expanding opportunities and his commitment to making Massachusetts a state that is affordable with a government we can believe in makes him the only candidate who can defeat Maura Healey.”

The Democratic response, via the Massachusetts Democratic Party, criticized Kennealy’s record, claiming he failed to curb housing costs or cut taxes during his tenure.