POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Kennealy kicks things off

 

By Kelly Garrity          SCRUTINIZE EVERY CANDIDATE BEFORE EMBRACING THEIR             CANDIDACY!           MIKE KENNEALY IS A MAGA MAGGOT WHO CONDEMNS THE              MESS THAT CHARLIE BAKER CREATED & BLAMES MAURA                  HEALEY....          THAT DOESN'T WORK MIKEY!                       JUST ANOTHER WEALTHY NEBBISH, NO NAME RECOGNITION               &   ANOTHER FAILED MEMBER OF BAKER'S FIASCO! AND WE’RE OFF — MAGA Mike Kennealy, who served as housing and economic development secretary under Republican Gov. Charlie Baker, is making it official. Kennealy, a Lexington Republican, is getting in the race for governor this morning, becoming the first real challenger to Gov. Maura Healey more than a year before the election. WOW! MAGA PROPAGANDA!  CHARLIE BAKER GOT LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL TO GOVERN TRANSPORTATION - THOSE SLOW ROUTES DID NOT BEGIN WITH GOV. MAURA HEALEY! IT WAS THE MBTA MESS THAT CHARLIE BAKER LEFT! CHARLIE BAKER EMPLOYED OVERPRICED HACKS WHO LIVED OUT OF STATE - NEVER VISITED MASSACHUSETTS & WERE IN CHARGE OF CONSTRUCTION? WHERE WAS KENNEALY?  EDUCATION? WHERE HAS THIS MAGA DIM WIT BEEN? SUGGEST HE REVIEW THE US NEWS STATE RANKINGS! PREDICTABLE MAGA BLABBER! NOTICE HOW KENNEALY REGURGITATES BABBLE FROM THE BOSTON HERALD PROPAGANDA RAG!   “For the first time in many years, our state is headed in the wrong direction. Young people, families and seniors are choosing to leave Massachusetts,” Kennealy says in a launch video that went up this morning. “Everything from gas to housing to taxes is too expensive. Too many kids aren’t receiving the education they need to compete in a global economy. Our transportation system is still broken. The unspeakable violence in migrant shelters is a human tragedy and a national embarrassment.” It’s an early start to the 2026 statewide elections. Kennealy’s launch puts him a few months ahead of Baker's timeline during his first unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign, which he announced in July 2009 . Kennealy’s seeding his campaign with $2 million of his own money, according to his campaign, a figure that would immediately put his war chest in range of the roughly $2.9 million Healey has stashed in her campaign account. By launching more than 16 months before voters head to the polls, Kennealy is getting ahead of a potentially crowded Republican primary field . And he's starting to get his name in front of the 39 percent of Massachusetts residents surveyed in a February UMass Amherst/WCVB poll who said they didn’t know whether they would support him or Healey in a head-to-head matchup. Kennealy’s worn many hats over the years, working in private equity at TA Associates and Spectrum Equity, before helping lead a turnaround at Lawrence Public Schools as a special adviser to the receiver. He served in Baker’s administration as an assistant secretary for business growth before being tapped to join the cabinet. After his former boss left office, Kennealy joined the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston as the organization's chief strategy officer. FINANCE CHAIR OF MASS GOP - IS HE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MASS GOP FISCAL DISASTERS?  The Lexington Republican, who previously served as finance chair of the MassGOP sounded a bit like the state's Democratic governor with calls to lower costs, fix the state’s transit system and make Massachusetts “a better place to live, work, and raise a family,” — though Healey was accused during her gubernatorial run of sounding too much like her Republican predecessor. Kennealy's resume is one that could appeal to the moderate Massachusetts voters with a proclivity for picking middle-of-the-road Republicans for the executive branch. But if other candidates get in — as widely expected — Kennealy will first have to win over the GOP’s more conservative base. GOOD MONDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS . Tips, scoops, running for something? Email me: kgarrity@politico.com .  TODAY — Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll speaks at a ribbon cutting for a research facility at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center at 1 p.m. Rep. Seth Moulton is the featured speaker at an event hosted by Tufts University’s Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life at noon in Medford. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu attends Boston Public Schools “Hat Day” at 10:30 a.m. in Allston. Auditor Diana DiZoglio rolls out payment-in-lieu-of-taxes program recommendations with State Senator Paul Mark at 1 p.m. in Windsor. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Drop me a line: kgarrity@politico.com .  IN MEMORIAM ‘A PUBLIC SERVANT TO HIS CORE’ — Phil Johnston, who served as the state secretary of health and human services under former Gov. Michael Dukakis, died suddenly over the weekend. He was 80. “A political soul from the time he learned to talk, Phil’s day would not be complete without a lively discussion of the day’s political happenings and the latest gossip,” Johnston’s family said in a statement. Johnston famously won a Democratic primary over late former Rep. Bill Delahunt in 1996, before Delahunt took back victory in a recount when a judge discounted some ballots with hanging chads . He later went on to serve as chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party. “Phil would offer help to anyone who asked and was relentless in his desire to make this world a better place for everyone, even those he never met,” his family said. Tributes poured out for Johnston over the weekend. Sen. Ed Markey remembered him as “selfless with his time and attention, gaining as much from learning about a person’s interests and challenges as they from the assistance he provided.” “No problem or person was too small, nor was any challenge too great for Phil’s creativity, compassion, and dedication,” Markey said in a statement. Johnston “was a public servant to his core who was relentlessly committed to improving the health and wellbeing of children and families in Massachusetts and across the country,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement. State Auditor Diana DiZoglio said she was thankful “for his mentorship, words of wisdom and guidance.” “He was always willing to provide a helping hand so that those who came after him could continue to make Massachusetts a better place,” DiZoglio wrote on X .   Cut through policy complexity and turn intelligence into action with POLITICO’s Policy Intelligence Assistant—a new suite of tools designed to save you time and demonstrate your impact more easily than ever—available only to Pro subscribers. Save hours, uncover critical insights instantly, and stay ahead of the next big shift. Power your strategy today— learn more .     DATELINE BEACON HILL BOSTON HERALD PROPAGANDA RAG REPORTING EARNINGS OF 2 YEARS, WHERE ARE THE DETAILS?  — Who were the top paid Massachusetts lawmakers last legislative session? by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: “There were no shockers at the top of the Massachusetts legislative payroll for the last two-year session. House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka were the lead earners for the two years that made up the 2023-2024 legislative session. Each of the Democrats pulled in more than $400,000 over the course of the two-year term, according to state payroll records. And the top ten highest earners in each branch featured a lineup of well-known pols who either headed up subject-specific committees or served in Republican or Democratic leadership posts.” READ THE DETAILS! TRUMP'S ACTIONS ARE UNCONSTITUTIONAL! MORE MAGA GOP DISENFRANCHISEMENT OF VOTERS! THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ARE FIGHTING THIS ACTION & WORKING TO PROTECT VOTING RIGHTS OF ALL AMERICANS! — Galvin supports legal action against Trump's election order by Roberto Scalese, WBUR: “The state's keeper of elections is on board with suing President Trump over his executive order demanding voters show proof of citizenship when registering to vote. In a letter to Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Secretary of State Bill Galvin said he supports the legal action against Trump's order. Massachusetts is one of 19 states suing over the executive order.” — Advocates explore ways to persuade House to legalize overdose prevention centers by Alexander MacDougall, Daily Hampshire Gazette.  FROM THE HUB ***DEED FRAUD***** — FBI Boston ‘deed fraud’ warning resembles Water and Sewer Commission HR director civil suit by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “An FBI Boston warning about a rise in quitclaim deed fraud closely resembles a civil case involving a Boston Water and Sewer Commission HR director who is alleged to have worked with relatives to swindle her elderly uncle out of his home. The similarity has not gone unnoticed, according to Ricardo Arroyo, an ex-Boston city councilor and attorney representing the elderly man who filed suit against Marie Theodat, chief human resource officer at the Water and Sewer Commission, and three other relatives who are alleged to have been involved in the scheme.” THANK YOU BOSTON! GREAT TURNOUT! — Protesters rally in Boston as part of nationwide protest against Trump by Cristela Guerra, WBUR: “Thousands of people flooded onto Boston Common Saturday under gray skies and intermittent rain as part of a nationwide day of protests against President Trump and in support of civil rights. The rally, dubbed ‘Hands Off Our Democracy!,’ was one of dozens planned across the country. Organized by the 50501 Movement and local sponsors, the plan was to hold a protest in every U.S. state at the same time.” — Boston’s police oversight agency has not met expectations. Its director says that’s about to change. by Dan Glaun, The Boston Globe. ON CAMPUS FALSE CLAIMS! STUDENTS COMMITTED NO CRIMES! FREE SPEECH & PEACEFUL PROTESTS ARE TRUMP'S ENEMIES! WE SHOULD WELCOME OTHERS WITH A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION - NOT EXPEL THEM! IT'S CALLED FASCISM! — State Department revokes several Northeastern students, graduates’ visas by Zoe MacDiarmid and Emily Spatz, The Huntington News. — 3 Harvard Students, 2 Recent Grads Had Visas Revoked by Samuel A. Church and Cam N. Srivastava, The Harvard Crimson. — International students at UMass Amherst express uncertainty after five student statuses and visas revoked by Bella Astrofsky and Bella Ishanyan, The Daily Collegian. BOSTON IS AN IMPRESSIVE CITY DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF SO MANY FROM OTHER CULTURES, OTHER NATIONS! SOME COME TO LEARN, SOME COME TO TEACH, SOME COME TO BECOME PART OF AN AMAZING MEDICAL/SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY!  TRUMP'S BIGOTRY & RACISM DOES THE NATION A DISSERVICE! — With universities threatened, can Boston still Be Boston? by Jenna Russell, The New York Times: “For generations, students and researchers from around the world have flocked to Boston, drawn not just to a college or university but to a region where high-minded intellectual life was part of its brand. The Boston area has thrived from their presence, its many schools and top-ranked research hospitals keeping its economy strong and its living standard largely unmatched in the United States. … Now, though, the city is seized with anxiety.” THE RACE FOR CITY HALL WU GOES FOR ROUND 2 — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu launched her reelection bid at a crowded event in the city’s South End Saturday afternoon, noting the work left to do on local issues while warning that Boston is “under attack” by the Trump administration. "Today it's not just our country and our democracy that are under attack , it's communities like ours — our lives, and our livelihoods, our identities and our independence,” Wu told supporters who brave the rain for the launch. “It feels like everything that makes Boston, Boston is being threatened by an administration that is clearly threatened by who we are as a city." THE NEWTON NEBBISH HAS NEVER HELD ELECTED OFFICE, NEVER MANAGED A COMPLEX GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION & SHOULD HAVE STAYED IN HIS CUSHY ENVIRONMENT! EACH PRONOUNCEMENT DISPLAYS HIS INEXPERIENCE & INCOMPETENCE!  BEFORE SUPPORTING THIS CANDIDATE, SCRUTINIZE HIS HISTORY & COMMENTS - NEVER EVEN LIVED OR VOTED IN BOSTON! JUST ANOTHER CARPETBAGGER! Wu mixed in some pointed jabs at her highest-profile challenger, former New England Patriots Foundation President Josh Kraft , cautioning voters that now “is not the time for a mayor who needs on the job training.” Kraft was quick to hit back, accusing Wu of taking “ideology-first, results-second approach to governing.” While President Donald Trump and his administration may serve as a useful foil for Wu on the campaign trail, the realities of governing the city with potential funding cuts coming out of Washington could present headaches in the coming months. Take Wu’s budget: “Because of all the federal uncertainty, we have to both maintain and cut back,” Wu said during an interview on WCVB’s “On the Record” that aired Sunday. “Cut vacancies, jobs that haven’t been filled in a long time, but also don’t jump ahead to say we’re assuming that the worst for sure will happen because that will lead to cutting city services that are needed now more ever.” PARTY POLITICS — Robert LeBlanc resigns from Massachusetts Democratic State Committee after child rape allegations by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: “Robert LeBlanc, a decades-long member of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee, resigned from the party after Essex County prosecutors charged him with child rape and multiple counts of indecent assault, according to a spokesperson for the party. WARREN REPORT THANK YOU SENATOR ELIZABETH WARREN FOR ALL YOU DO TO SUPPORT HARD WORKING AMERICANS! ON TOUR — After a swing through Texas for a “Rally For Democracy” at the state’s capitol last month, Elizabeth Warren stopped in Tennessee over the weekend for a Nashville rally, urging the roughly 1,500 people who turned out for event to “take action against the state’s Republican supermajority,” per The Tennesean . excerpt:  Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), in a visit to Nashville on Saturday, urged Tennesseans to fight back against what she said is the Trump Administration’s plan to cut funding for healthcare, social security and public schools while giving trillions of dollars in tax cuts to billionaires. “The most important thing to start with is to remember you have power,” she said. “You are strong and you know how to stand up for what is right.” About 1,500 people turned out to see the Massachusetts senator speak in the gymnasium at Pearl-Cohn High School in North Nashville on Saturday afternoon. She was joined by local democratic lawmakers including Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Sen. Charlene Oliver (D-Nashville), who commended Warren as a fierce champion for the working people who "always have the backs of the little guy." "She’s exemplified now for years how important idea leadership, thought leadership and just the courage of pure leadership are to this entire country," O'Connell said. The crowd cheered and stomped as Warren lambasted President Donald Trump for his relationship with billionaire Elon Musk, the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico and for sparking the "dumbest trade war in U.S. history." Warren, who made a bid 2020 presidential race, has been a longtime Trump critic. She noted the administration’s plans to cut federal funding for public schools, saying it will lead to larger class sizes and less support for the children that need it the most.  “When they make these cuts to our public schools, does that public money go into your pockets, Tennessee?” she asked. The crowd replied with a resounding, “No!” “They’re not trying to cut costs for American families, they want to make sure that the billionaires in this country get exactly what they want, and everybody else can pay for it,” Warren said. “Handing our country over to billionaires is not what we do in America.”  She urged Tennesseans to take action against the state’s Republican supermajority by calling their local lawmakers, organizing and telling their stories. She said the recent win of liberal Wisconsin Superior Court judge despite Musk pouring $20 million into the race for a conservative opponent is a sign of the powers of organizing.  “Not having as much power as you want is not the same as having no power at all,” she said. THE LOCAL ANGLE ***TRUMP SLUMP!**** — Business confidence plummets in Massachusetts amid tariff worries and shifting policies by Matthew Medsgar, Boston Herald: “Confidence among the state’s employers has fallen to the lowest level seen since the summer of 2020, a leading Bay State business group found. According to the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, the March Business Confidence Index shows Massachusetts companies see themselves in a precarious position and feel pessimistic about the future, neither of which is a part of the recipe for business growth.” ***RFK JR IS A LONG TERM HEROIN ADDICT & HIS ACTIONS & PRONOUNCEMENTS DEFINE HIS INCOMPETENCE & LACK OF SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION! RFK JR IS AN EMBARRASMENT!*** — Former Rep. Joseph Kennedy III says some of his uncle's moves as head of HHS are 'heartbreaking'   by Jim Hand, The Sun Chronicle. MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE ***NEW HAMPSHIRE VOTERS IGNORE THEIR STATE'S FAILURES...THEY SHOULD LOOK AROUND....*** TRUMP CARD — Former Gov. Chris Sununu hasn’t said yet whether he’ll run for New Hampshire’s open Senate seat in 2026, but he already has President Donald Trump’s blessing. “I support him fully,” Trump told reporters during a scrum on Air Force One Sunday evening. Sununu and Trump have a bumpy history, but the former governor ultimately backed Trump’s reelection after endorsing Niki Haley in the primaries. “I hope he runs,” Trump said Sunday. He's been very nice to me over the last year or so. I hope he runs. I think he'll win the seat." (Sorry, Scott Brown.) HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to POLITICO’s Daniel Lippman, a Great Barrington native; Helice Rubin Picheny, NGP VAN’s Jeremiah Thompson and Joe Nigro. Want to make an impact? POLITICO Massachusetts has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Bay State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you’re promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness among this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com .   Follow us on Twitter Kelly Garrity @KellyGarrity3   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Ottawa Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters Follow us

POLITICO 1000 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA, 22209, USA