Sen. Peter Durant, a Spencer Republican, stated he’s contemplating working for governor in 2026, including to the sector of conservatives who consider Gov. Maura Healey is a susceptible candidate ought to she determine to run for a second time period.
Durant, whose potential candidacy was first reported by WBUR, stated he’s aiming to decide earlier than Memorial Day in Could and believes Massachusetts is “heading within the incorrect course.”
“I believe there is a chance right here,” Durant advised the Herald Thursday. “We’re going to spend a while deciding whether or not or not I’m one of the best individual to do this. We’re going by the method of working by this.”
Durant, who received a particular election final yr to flip a Central Massachusetts seat, stated a Republican can retake the nook workplace in 2026 as a result of Healey is “beatable.” He stated he’s doing “some soul looking” to determine whether or not he’s the fitting individual for the job.
The Spencer Republican is the second conservative to significantly think about a gubernatorial bid. Mike Kennealy, a former cupboard secretary underneath Gov. Charlie Baker, stated earlier this month that he’s debating a run for governor.
Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis and Brian Shortsleeve, a enterprise capitalist and former MBTA official, have additionally been floated as potential Republican candidates in 2026.
Durant stated is deciding if he has the fitting coverage concepts and fundraising capability.
“Can we make a distinction? I believe the reply to that query, once more, is sure,” he stated.
Healey, an Arlington Democrat, has not stated whether or not she plans to run for reelection in 2026. She has fielded a collection of crises throughout her first two years in workplace, together with the meltdown of Steward Well being Care and an explosion of demand within the state-run shelter system.
In an interview with the Herald in December, Healey stated she liked her job and felt “actually privileged to be governor.”
“There’s much more I need to do,” she stated.
