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2w ago

Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Enters Plea After OUI Arrest

The court continued the case for a year and placed Kerrigan on probation; the resolution includes a license suspension, fines and required treatment and raises questions for party leadership as Boston courts the 2028 convention.

Worcester, MA – May 30: Chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party Steve Kerrigan speaks at the Massachusetts Democratic Party convention on May 30, 2026. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Stephen Kerrigan was stopped by Southborough police after officers said his SUV was driving between lanes and he was arrested on June 13, 2026 on an OUI charge and related traffic counts.
  • Kerrigan pleaded to an admission of sufficient facts on June 15, 2026 and the case was continued without a finding for one year, a common outcome that avoids a formal conviction if conditions are met.
  • Court and probation records show Kerrigan is on probation, must enroll in Massachusetts’ impaired-driving program, serve a 45-day license suspension and pay $600 in fines.
  • Police reported signs of impairment including glassy, bloodshot eyes and slurred speech, and breath tests a few minutes apart recorded BACs of 0.089% and 0.086%, just above the state limit of 0.08%.
  • Kerrigan remains chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, and the episode comes alongside public debate over state drinking rules and other recent OUI cases involving state Democrats, which could shape internal party discussions as it seeks the 2028 convention.