A Veteran’s Bid for the Massachusetts Governor’s Office
The race for governor of Massachusetts is heating up as Republican Mike Minogue aims to challenge incumbent Democratic Governor Maura Healey in the 2026 election. Minogue, a businessman and decorated veteran, is one of three Republicans vying for their party’s nomination, alongside Mike Kennealy and Brian Shortsleeve.
Minogue, 56, launched his campaign in October 2025, promising to be “a new kind of governor,” according to reports. He is positioning himself as an outsider, stating he would be accountable only to the people of Massachusetts, not party politicians. He has emphasized that he has no ambition to seek other offices and would not use the governorship as a steppingstone.
A graduate of West Point and an Army Airborne Ranger, Minogue served in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, earning a Bronze Star. He led the first infantry platoon to cross into Iraq during that operation, serving under Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf. Prior to his entry into politics, Minogue spent 19 years as CEO of Abiomed, a Danvers-based medical device company known for its development of the world’s smallest heart pumps.
Financially, Minogue is well-positioned for the campaign. He invested $1.5 million of his own money into his bid in the first month and raised an additional $373,000 from individual donors. He made his fortune after selling Abiomed to Johnson & Johnson in 2022.
Minogue’s campaign is focused on issues such as the rising cost of living in Massachusetts, what he describes as an exodus of working people from the state, and the dominance of the Democratic party on Beacon Hill. He has stated he will uphold the law, keep communities safe, and respect taxpayers, advocating for audits of state agencies.
While Minogue has not explicitly expressed strong support for former President Trump, he indicated a willingness to work with whoever occupies the White House, a contrast to Governor Healey’s reported reluctance to collaborate with the Trump administration. He donated $100,000 to the Trump 47 Committee in 2024.
Minogue has demonstrated a commitment to Republican causes, donating over $500,000 to the Republican National Committee and $10,000 to the Massachusetts Republican Party in 2024 and 2025. He also hosted Vice President J.D. Vance at a fundraiser in Gloucester in 2024.
Despite being a relative newcomer to politics, Minogue expressed confidence in his ability to work with the Democrat-controlled Massachusetts Legislature, citing his experiences overcoming challenges at West Point, Ranger School, and in building a billion-dollar company. He stated he would collaborate with legislators who have “good ideas.”
Minogue’s core message centers on “grit,” emphasizing hard work, discipline, and a commitment to serving a purpose greater than oneself. He believes that facing adversity builds character, empathy, and gratitude.
