Who Is Running for Governor of Massachusetts in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Maura Healey
(Incumbent)Economy
MediumGovernor Maura Healey's reelection campaign prioritizes job growth and affordability. She has achieved legislative wins to lower costs, including making school meals free, eliminating renters' fees, and utilizing a $250 million state trust fund to protect against healthcare premium increases. Her focus is on strengthening the workforce and innovation economy while working to reduce costs for residents.
Immigration
HighGovernor Maura Healey has taken steps to restrict federal immigration enforcement activities in Massachusetts. On January 29, 2026, she filed legislation to limit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, courthouses, and houses of worship. Healey also signed an executive order prohibiting ICE civil arrests in non-public state facilities and the use of state property for enforcement staging, citing public safety and concerns about unlawful actions by ICE.
Healthcare
HighMaura Healey supports policies to increase healthcare affordability and access. She has announced new state regulations to eliminate prior authorization requirements for various medical services, ensuring patients receive care without delay. She also plans to ban medical debt from being reported to credit agencies. Furthermore, she advocates for extending ACA credits to prevent health care cost spikes, citing her focus on driving down costs for families.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Maura Healey |
|---|---|
| Economy | Governor Maura Healey's reelection campaign prioritizes job growth and affordability. She has achieved legislative wins to lower costs, including making school meals free, eliminating renters' fees, and utilizing a $250 million state trust fund to protect against healthcare premium increases. Her focus is on strengthening the workforce and innovation economy while working to reduce costs for residents. Medium |
| Immigration | Governor Maura Healey has taken steps to restrict federal immigration enforcement activities in Massachusetts. On January 29, 2026, she filed legislation to limit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, courthouses, and houses of worship. Healey also signed an executive order prohibiting ICE civil arrests in non-public state facilities and the use of state property for enforcement staging, citing public safety and concerns about unlawful actions by ICE. High |
| Healthcare | Maura Healey supports policies to increase healthcare affordability and access. She has announced new state regulations to eliminate prior authorization requirements for various medical services, ensuring patients receive care without delay. She also plans to ban medical debt from being reported to credit agencies. Furthermore, she advocates for extending ACA credits to prevent health care cost spikes, citing her focus on driving down costs for families. High |
| Climate & Energy | Maura Healey's administration announced a $180 million plan to temporarily reduce residential electric and gas bills in early 2026, emphasizing affordable energy for residents. While signing a climate law to advance clean energy transition, create jobs, and lower costs, her administration also delayed a clean heat standard until 2028 due to mounting affordability concerns. She also highlighted increased scrutiny of additional fees on energy bills, utility energy purchase rates, and utility rate hikes. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Maura Healey supports abortion access and signed an updated reproductive health care shield law to strengthen protections for patients and providers. This legislation prevents disclosure of sensitive data, ensures abortions for medical necessity, and prohibits state cooperation with out-of-state investigations into legally protected services. Healey advocates for staying "on offense" to defend and expand reproductive freedom, ensuring Massachusetts remains a state where patients can access high-quality health care. High |
| Foreign Policy | Maura Healey opposes aggressive federal immigration enforcement tactics, arguing that these actions do not make communities safer and cause fear. She also supports investing in defense technology, quantum, and AI partnerships as key economic drivers within Massachusetts to ensure state competitiveness. High |
| Education | Governor Maura Healey prioritizes education, emphasizing investments in literacy and universal pre-kindergarten, and aims for 100,000 students in early college programs within ten years. She proposes new high school graduation requirements to replace the MCAS exam, focusing on course completion, portfolios, and end-of-course exams that are not high-stakes for graduation, alongside financial literacy. Her goal is to prepare students with academic, problem-solving, and leadership skills for future success. High |
| Gun Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
Get updates on Massachusetts Governor
Enter your email to be notified when candidate profiles are complete.