11 months to go until election day and Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue is gearing up for the long haul.
An entrepreneur and veteran, Minogue hopes to bring his experience from outside the system into the State House.
“We’re on the wrong path because we have eight taxes and Massachusetts is working for some but not for all,” said Minogue.
Among the areas of concern for Minogue, the state’s shelter system and migrant crisis from the past few years. In an interview with ‘@Issue’ Gov. Maura Healey touted falling occupancy numbers, a focus on Massachusetts families and the closure of hotels and motels. Despite that, Minogue says voters still need to pay attention to the issue.
“We don’t have transparency, and I think we’re being misled a little bit,” said Minogue, “The numbers are not coming down, in fact because we have free everything, free right to shelter, which does not apply to illegal immigrants, for citizens and that is causing more people to come here.”
The state’s right-to-shelter law is seen by Democrats as a key piece of Massachusetts’ identity.
“What we’ve turned it into is a way to attract illegal immigrants,” said Minogue, “It’s pure ideology.”
Beyond policy perspectives, Minogue’s personal politics have been called into question. He’s been quoted as saying that he doesn’t identify with a political party, despite running as a Republican.
“Too often now, people put party politics ahead of improving things for the people,” said Minogue, “So I am a person that will not put party politics as governor, I will be obsessed with better.”
Minogue’s family ties to the Trump Administration have been a focal point for Democrats, with the state party pointing to an October 2024 fundraiser, hosted by Minogue’s parents, for then-Senator and Vice-Presidential candidate JD Vance.
“Only in Massachusetts is it breaking news that a Republican supports the Republican Party,” said Minogue.
With that said, Minogue admits that he has interacted with Vice President Vance and President Trump in the past.
“I’ve met them, but I’ve met a lot of politicians, both Democrats and Republicans,” said Minogue.
Tune in Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. for our extended @Issue Sit Down conversation with Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue.