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: republican gubernatorial candidate
Amid Governor chatter, Jay Collins meets with anti-immigrant contender James Fishback
Lt. Gov. Jay Collins recently held a meeting with James Fishback, an anti-immigration activist who claims “the great replacement of American workers is real.” This meeting comes as both men consider running for Governor of Florida, each asserting a desire to continue Gov. Ron DeSantis’ legacy.
James Fishback, CEO of Azoria, has been highly critical of legal immigration and U.S. support for Israel. His outspoken views have led critics online to label him a “groyper,” a term linked to White nationalist Nick Fuentes. Despite this, Fishback continues to make media appearances and talk about a possible statewide campaign. In an interview with Florida Politics, he stated that he seriously considers running for governor if no other candidate aligns with his viewpoints.
Fishback has also expressed strong criticism of Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, a Congressman currently seen as a front-runner among declared candidates. “Unless we see a 180 from Byron Donalds on his immigration, H-1B comments, and on overdeveloping and inviting everyone from New York and their dog to move to Florida, I will have no choice but to run,” Fishback said.
In a recent X Spaces conversation, Fishback revealed that he was “literally driving right now to have coffee with Lt. Gov. Jay Collins.” He called Collins a “patriot” during the discussion, which occurred shortly before their meeting in Tampa. Collins did not respond to a text requesting comment about the meeting.
Political observers expect Collins, who was appointed Lieutenant Governor in August, to soon announce his campaign for Governor. Many anticipate he will run with DeSantis’ endorsement. However, the meeting with Fishback raises questions about possible ties to the far-right wing of Florida’s Republican Party.
Fishback recently praised a controversial Heritage Foundation video that defended podcaster Tucker Carlson for platforming Nick Fuentes. This endorsement prompted U.S. Rep. Randy Fine to cancel future appearances with the Heritage Foundation at a Republican Jewish Coalition event. At the same gathering, Byron Donalds vowed not to allow anyone in politics to “demonize Jewish Americans.”
Fishback’s comments to Florida Politics have focused heavily on immigration—including legal immigration. He has called for the deportation of every individual in America holding H-1B work visas and those with temporary protected status. “What we voted for in 2024 was mass deportations, not just of illegals, but full stop,” Fishback stated.
He also criticized what he terms the “great replacement of American workers with foreign workers,” though he insists his concern is solely about foreigners and not about race. “The great replacement is real,” he said. “That’s the truth.”
Fishback praised Governor DeSantis for recently announcing that Florida universities should stop granting H-1B visas to international employees. The Governor said he would call on the Board of Governors for Florida’s university system to “pull the plug” on these hirings, which have attracted students worldwide to Florida schools.
Notably, Lt. Gov. Collins has made no public statements supporting or opposing DeSantis’ stance on this issue.
Fishback’s position on H-1B visas has also attracted attention from others close to DeSantis. Christina Pushaw, DeSantis’ former press secretary and current communications specialist, has frequently shared and publicly agreed with Fishback’s posts on X. For instance, she recently echoed his call to deport all H-1B visa holders, posting, “If the entire visa category is ended, they would have to be deported because H-1B would no longer be a valid visa category.”
Fishback maintains that his focus in any gubernatorial race is whether a candidate embraces his worldview. “The way I think, I wish we had a candidate who was America first,” he said. “The only way I join this race is if no one steps up and acknowledges the great replacement of American workers.”
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/763879-amid-governor-chatter-jay-collins-meets-with-anti-immigrant-contender-james-fishback/
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/