Governor Maura Healey Commits to Two Massachusetts Governor Debates Ahead of 2026 Election
By Tiffany Williams –
BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll have committed to participating in debates during the 2026 general election campaign, with Healey agreeing to two live televised events in October and Driscoll agreeing to a radio debate against the eventual Republican nominee for lieutenant governor.
The Healey-Driscoll campaign announced the debate commitments Monday as the Democratic incumbents continue their reelection campaign ahead of the November election.
Healey Agrees to Two October Debates
Governor Healey will participate in two debates during October, according to her campaign.
The first will air on WBZ-TV and will be hosted by veteran political commentator Jon Keller.
A second debate will be organized by a media consortium consisting of WCVB, WBUR and The Boston Globe in partnership with the Bay State Banner and El Planeta.
The campaign did not announce specific dates for either debate.
Driscoll Commits to Radio Debate
Lieutenant Governor Driscoll has agreed to participate in a debate with the eventual Republican nominee for lieutenant governor.
The debate will be hosted by GBH and Boston Public Radio, with Jim Braude and Margery Eagan serving as hosts.
The campaign did not provide a date for the lieutenant governor debate.
Campaign Frames General Election Choice
Healey-Driscoll Campaign Manager Katie Prisco-Buxbaum said the debates will give voters an opportunity to compare the Democratic ticket with the Republican nominees who emerge from the primary.
“Whoever emerges from the Republican primary, these debates will outline the clear choice voters will have in November between a MAGA candidate who supports Donald Trump’s agenda, and Governor Healey who is committed to lowering costs, protecting people’s rights and freedoms, and standing up to Donald Trump,” said Healey-Driscoll Campaign Manager Katie Prisco-Buxbaum.
Healey and Driscoll Seeking Reelection
Healey and Driscoll were elected in 2022 as the first all-women gubernatorial team in the country’s history.
Their campaign said the administration has focused on lowering costs and improving opportunities for Massachusetts families.
Healey and Driscoll are seeking reelection while arguing that additional work is needed to make Massachusetts more affordable, expand opportunities and respond to actions taken by the Trump administration.
