Fenway Faithful Boo Governor and Boston Mayor at Red Sox Home Opener

Fans express displeasure with state and city leaders at Fenway Park

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, abstract painting depicting the energy and passion of a baseball stadium crowd, with the figures of the governor and mayor barely visible in the background.The boisterous reaction from Red Sox fans at Fenway Park highlights the political tensions simmering in Massachusetts ahead of the upcoming elections.Boston Today

At the Red Sox home opener at Fenway Park, fans loudly booed Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu as they were shown on the stadium's video board. The boos generated significant reaction on social media, with Republican gubernatorial candidates and political commentators weighing in on the crowd's reaction to the Democratic leaders.

Why it matters

The booing of the governor and mayor at a major sporting event highlights the political tensions in Massachusetts, where the Republican party is hoping to make gains in the upcoming elections. The reaction from the crowd could signal broader dissatisfaction with the current state and city leadership among some voters.

The details

During the Red Sox game against the Padres, which the Red Sox won 5-2, the crowd at Fenway Park erupted in boos when the video board showed Governor Healey and Mayor Wu. The boos were loud enough to be heard across the stadium and generated significant reaction on social media. Republican gubernatorial candidates Brian Shortsleeve, Mike Kennealy, and Mike Minogue all commented on the crowd's reaction, with Minogue posting a video of the booing and suggesting it was 'time for a new kind of governor'.

  • The booing occurred during the Red Sox home opener on April 3, 2026.

The players

Governor Maura Healey

The current Democratic governor of Massachusetts.

Mayor Michelle Wu

The current Democratic mayor of Boston.

Brian Shortsleeve

One of the Republican candidates for governor of Massachusetts.

Mike Kennealy

One of the Republican candidates for governor of Massachusetts.

Mike Minogue

One of the Republican candidates for governor of Massachusetts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If baseball fans in deep blue Massachusetts boo both Democrats, who the hell is voting for them?”

— Clay Travis, Founder, OutKick

“Boston forever. Go, Red Sox.”

— Governor Maura Healey

What’s next

The Republican candidates for governor will likely continue to highlight the crowd's reaction to Healey and Wu as they campaign ahead of the upcoming election.

The takeaway

The booing of the governor and mayor at Fenway Park underscores the political divisions in Massachusetts and the potential challenges facing Democratic leaders as they seek to maintain their hold on state and local government.