Healey, Minogue Clash Over Trump, Economy in First MA Debate

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and Republican challenger Mike Minogue held their first gubernatorial debate on Oct. 8, hosted by WBZ-TV. Healey tied the state's cost-of-living pressures to President Donald Trump, while Minogue focused on housing permitting delays and the cost of health care without naming the president.

"People can't afford gas. They can't afford rent. They can't afford food. They can't afford clothes," Healey said, blaming Trump's handling of the economy. Minogue, a former Abiomed executive largely self-funding his campaign, pledged to ease housing permitting, cut eight tax categories and temporarily suspend the state's 24-cent gas tax. Healey countered by citing inflation and tariffs on construction materials tied to federal policy.

Minogue criticized the Springfield courthouse project, saying it could cost taxpayers $2 billion combining construction and rent costs over 40-plus years; Healey defended it as a job creator that saves taxpayers money. Healey noted that Minogue donated $1 million to Trump and other Republican causes in 2024. A CommonWealth Beacon/MassINC Polling Group survey in late September 2026 showed Healey leading Minogue 54% to 32%, with 28% of voters still undecided about him.

This story was first reported by CommonWealth Beacon.