You can’t plan an accident. A staffer for Gov. Maura Healey was reminded of that fact during a press conference Thursday. Gov. Maura Healey was holding the press conference outside her office, calling on President Donald Trump to release Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding immediately, when she was interrupted mid-speech by a loud thud followed by collective gasps. At first, there was confusion among reporters and elected officials alike, with many concluding that someone standing way in the back of the room, behind all the cameras, reporters and equipment, had fainted hitting the ground hard enough to stop the entire event. When she realized the victim may be one of her staffers, Gov. Healey rushed from the podium, dashed through the collection of TV cameras and members of the media, and to the aide of her employee with genuine concern and a look of worry on her face. It really seemed like a serious medical situation was unfolding right in front of the governor and the media who covers her. But, thankfully, it all ended with a comedic sigh of relief when the unfortunate Healey staffer cried out that she was okay and just “took a digger” as she tripped over TV equipment. The press conference went on, and a slightly shaken, and perhaps mildly embarrassed staffer was left unscathed. Brian Shortsleeve wins another endorsement Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Shortsleeve has picked up another early endorsement in his campaign for the state’s executive office. Shortsleeve announced Thursday that he’s earned the endorsement of state Rep. and House Republican WHIP Leader Brian Frost (R-Auburn), marking the second legislative endorsement for the candidate in as many weeks. “Every day at the State House and all across the Commonwealth, I see the need for new leadership in the Corner Office,” said Frost. “The Republican field for Governor has terrific people willing to step up to make a positive difference for Massachusetts and I strongly believe Brian Shortsleeve has the best chance to win in November against Maura Healey. I find his energy to communicate his message and relate to the voters refreshing.” Shortsleeve welcomed Frost’s endorsement, highlighting his “long record of public service.” “I’m honored to receive Representative Frost’s endorsement. He has been a longtime leader in the Massachusetts House, fighting for taxpayers across the Commonwealth,” Shortsleeve said. “Our team is growing every day. Representative Frost’s support is another major boost for our campaign.” Frost joins State Senator Peter Durant (R-Worcester) and State Reps Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica) and Nick Boldyga (R-Southwick) in endorsing Shortsleeve for governor. Congressman Stephen Lynch introduces bill for nationwide affordable housing Democratic Congressman Stephen Lynch (MA-08) joined Republican Congresswoman Lisa McClain (MI-09) and members of the House Financial Services Committee on Friday to introduce legislation that would create more access to affordable housing access across the country. A bi-partisan effort, the Modular Housing Production Act would facilitate the financing and construction of affordable housing nationwide. It would require the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to review all construction lending programs administered by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and promptly address barriers that currently limit construction financing for modular homes-highly-affordable single and multi-family dwellings that are built in sections and then assembled on a permanent site in accordance with state and local building codes. “Amid a national housing crisis that includes a severe shortage of more than 7 million affordable homes and single-family home prices that exceed the median household income five times over, the Modular Housing Production Act will better ensure that homeownership is attainable for America’s working families,” said Rep. Lynch. “I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleague Rep. McClain, and I am grateful to Ranking Member Maxine Waters and Chairman French Hill of the Financial Services Committee for their continued leadership in support of housing affordability.” The Modular Housing Production Act has also been introduced by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) as part of the bipartisan Road to Housing Act that passed the U. S. Senate in October of 2025.
https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/11/23/pols-politics-healey-staffer-takes-a-digger/
Tag: gubernatorial
Kathy Hochul Nearly ‘Booed Off Stage,’ Turns It Into Her Own ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ Moment [WATCH]
New York Governor Kathy Hochul faced an awkward moment during a campaign appearance with state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani when she was loudly heckled by supporters chanting “tax the rich” as she stood on stage.
The incident occurred over the weekend during a rally in Queens, where Hochul appeared to lend her support to Mamdani’s election bid. Videos from the event show the crowd repeatedly shouting the slogan while Hochul stood beside the assemblyman. As the chants grew louder, Mamdani approached the governor and appeared to escort her off the stage.
The moment quickly spread online, with critics describing the exchange as a public embarrassment for the governor and a sign of growing tensions within the New York Democratic Party.
When questioned about the incident on Monday, Hochul attempted to clarify what she thought she had heard. Speaking to a reporter from the New York Post, Hochul said she initially believed the crowd was cheering for the Buffalo Bills football team. “I thought they were saying ‘Let’s Go Bills,’” she said. “I wasn’t sure. I heard some noise, I heard a lot of cheers. But later on it became clear to me, I know there is a passion for that.”
The explanation drew widespread attention across New York political circles and social media, where many observers questioned whether Hochul could have mistaken the chant.
Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), has been a vocal advocate for higher taxes on wealthy New Yorkers and large corporations. His “Tax the Rich” campaign slogan has been featured prominently in rallies and legislative proposals calling for increased state revenue through progressive taxation.
Hochul’s decision to campaign with Mamdani highlighted the Democratic governor’s balancing act between the party’s moderate wing and its increasingly vocal socialist faction.
The confrontation comes as Hochul faces growing political pressure ahead of the next gubernatorial race. Recent polling has shown a tightening margin between Hochul and Republican challenger Elise Stefanik, who has served as chair of the House Republican Conference. Stefanik’s rising profile and focus on economic issues have made her a formidable opponent in what could become one of the most closely watched state contests in the country.
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has also warned that the Democratic Party risks alienating moderate voters by embracing candidates from the Democratic Socialists of America. The DSA has gained influence in several major metropolitan areas, including New York City, by supporting progressive candidates in local and state elections.
Mamdani, who represents the 36th Assembly District in Queens, has championed rent control expansions, climate initiatives, and redistribution measures that have placed him at odds with more centrist Democrats.
Hochul’s appearance alongside Mamdani was intended to demonstrate party unity but instead drew renewed attention to ideological rifts among New York Democrats.
The governor has not issued any further statements regarding the rally incident or her comments to the Post.
This event marks the latest in a series of challenges for Hochul as she navigates pressure from both the left and right while managing a divided legislature and a struggling state economy.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/11/kathy-hochul-nearly-booed-off-stage-turns-it-into-her-own-lets-go-brandon-moment-watch/
Trump warns New Jersey faces hotbed of crime, skyrocketing energy prices if Mikie Sherrill elected
President Trump issued a strong warning to New Jersey voters early Monday, cautioning that Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rep. Mikie Sherrill would transform the Garden State into a hotspot of crime, soaring energy prices—and “HEARTACHE!”
In an early morning post on Truth Social, the former president criticized both Sherrill and Virginia’s Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Abigail Spanberger, urging voters to swing right this election season.
“Why would anyone vote for New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial candidates, Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger, when they want transgender for everybody, men playing in women’s sports, high crime, and the most expensive energy prices almost anywhere in the world?” Trump questioned.
He continued, “VOTE REPUBLICAN for massive energy cost reductions, large-scale tax cuts, and basic common sense!”
Highlighting his administration’s energy policies, Trump claimed, “Under President Trump, ME, gasoline will come down to approximately $2 a gallon, very soon! With the Democrats, you’ll be paying $4, $5, and $6 a gallon, and your electric and other energy costs will, likewise, SOAR.”
The former commander-in-chief emphasized that voters in New Jersey and beyond would enjoy “a great and very affordable life” if Republican candidates prevail in the upcoming election.
“All you’ll get from voting Democrat is unrelentingly high crime, energy prices through the roof, men playing in women’s sports, and HEARTACHE!” he added.
This latest salvo follows prior attacks by Trump against Sherrill throughout her campaign. Over the weekend, as early in-person voting began in New Jersey, he labeled her a “corrupt radical left Democrat,” declaring, “She’ll be a travesty as the governor of New Jersey.”
Despite Trump’s criticisms, Sherrill currently holds a five-point lead over Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli, standing at 50% to 45% in the latest Rutgers-Eagleton poll of likely voters.
https://nypost.com/2025/10/27/us-news/trump-warns-new-jersey-faces-hotbed-of-crime-skyrocketing-energy-prices-if-mikie-sherrill-elected/
