In a heated final stretch of the Massachusetts governor’s race, Republican nominee Mike Minogue alleged that Gov. Maura Healey exchanged a new collective bargaining contract for the State Police Association of Massachusetts (SPAM) endorsement. The union and the Healey campaign swiftly labeled the claim as “categorically false”.
Union refutes quid‑pro‑quo accusation
Brendan Murphy, president of SPAM, issued a statement on Sunday stating, “Mike Minogue’s allegation that the State Police Association of Massachusetts exchanged its endorsement for a contract is categorically false. Accusing our members of corruption without evidence is reckless, and we will not allow their integrity or the contract they earned to be smeared for political gain.” Murphy added that the contract provides raises totaling 11% over three years, consistent with other state unions, and that Minogue’s figure of an 18% increase is incorrect.
Healey’s campaign calls the charge an “unhinged rant”
Kerry Patrick Lyons, spokesperson for Gov. Healey, responded on Monday, describing Minogue’s accusations as “an unhinged rant from an unhinged, desperate candidate.” Lyons noted that Minogue’s demand for a statement “under penalty of perjury” merely echoes the candidate’s own language.
Details of the supplemental budget
Healey filed a supplemental budget on Sept. 23 to close the fiscal year 2026 books. The budget includes language for “salary adjustments and other economic benefits” authorized by finalized collective bargaining agreements with SPAM and the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union. While the bill does not disclose the contract’s specific terms, it creates a $30 million reserve to fund the agreements.
Endorsements and campaign context
Healey, a Democrat, announced endorsements from SPAM, the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association, the Massachusetts Coalition of Police, and the Massachusetts State Police Commissioned Officers Association on Sept. 10. None of those groups endorsed her in her 2022 gubernatorial bid, according to the campaign.
During a campaign stop in Framingham, Healey told reporters, “I’m proud to have the support of law enforcement and the support of four police organizations that I’ve received so far in this race.” When asked directly whether a deal was cut, she called the allegation “lies and nonsense” and reaffirmed her record of working alongside law‑enforcement officers as attorney general and now governor.
Minogue’s response
Minogue’s campaign released a statement calling on Healey to apologize to the State Police and to provide written proof of the timing of the contract relative to the endorsement. He emphasized that troopers deserve a fair contract and that any perception of a political bargain undermines their professionalism.
“Our State Troopers deserve a fair contract, competitive compensation, and our full support and respect,” Minogue said. “What they don’t deserve is the perception that their contract could be tied to a political endorsement.” He urged the governor to disclose any communications between her administration and union representatives.
Legislative backdrop
The Massachusetts House passed the supplemental budget last week, and the Senate is unlikely to act on the measure until after the Nov. 3 election. The budget’s $30 million reserve is intended to cover the costs of the ratified agreements.
Both sides remain entrenched as the race narrows, with Minogue continuing to press for transparency and Healey defending the integrity of the contract and the union’s endorsement.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
