Rachael Rollins Rips Rivals, Claims Double Standard After Suffolk DA Bid

Disgraced former U.S. Attorney alleges past transgressions judged more harshly than male counterparts

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:48pm

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A fractured, abstract painting in shades of navy, teal, and gold depicting a gavel or other political symbol, conveying a sense of motion and instability through the overlapping, geometric brushstrokes.Rollins' allegations of a double standard in political accountability highlight the complex dynamics of ethics and gender in public office.Boston Today

Rachael Rollins, the disgraced former U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts, has insinuated that her past transgressions have been judged more harshly than her male counterparts, like current Suffolk DA Kevin Hayden, after drawing backlash for joining the DA's race. Rollins took to social media to criticize Hayden, former Suffolk DA Dan Conley, and ex-Lt. Gov. Tim Murray, claiming a double standard in how their ethical lapses have been perceived.

Why it matters

Rollins' decision to run for her old Suffolk DA post has drawn significant criticism given her past scandals, including an ethics violation that led to her resignation as U.S. Attorney. Her allegations of a double standard raise questions about the public's perception of political accountability and the role gender may play in how elected officials are judged for their actions.

The details

In April 2024, current Suffolk DA Kevin Hayden agreed to pay a $5,000 civil penalty for violating conflict of interest law by allowing his office to issue an official press statement aimed at discrediting his primary opponent, former City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo, days before the election. Rollins referenced this violation in her social media post criticizing Hayden. Rollins resigned as U.S. Attorney in May 2023 amid an ethics scandal revealed during a federal investigation. She had been found to have improperly disclosed sensitive Department of Justice information to the media about a possible investigation into Hayden while he was running for election, in an attempt to influence the race in favor of her preferred candidate, Arroyo. Rollins was later issued a public reprimand by the state Board of Bar Overseers for this ethics breach.

  • In April 2024, Hayden agreed to pay a $5,000 civil penalty for violating conflict of interest law.
  • Rollins resigned as U.S. Attorney in May 2023 amid an ethics scandal.
  • Rollins was issued a public reprimand by the state Board of Bar Overseers in October 2023 for the ethics breach.

The players

Rachael Rollins

The disgraced former U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts who is now running for Suffolk DA, a position she previously held.

Kevin Hayden

The current Suffolk DA who was fined $5,000 for a conflict of interest violation in 2024.

Dan Conley

The former Suffolk DA who criticized Rollins' bid for the position, describing her as 'unfit to hold an office that demands truthfulness, fairness, and public trust.'

Tim Murray

The former Lt. Governor of Massachusetts who Rollins referenced in her criticism of her political rivals.

Ricardo Arroyo

The former City Councilor who ran against Hayden for Suffolk DA in 2022 and lost, after Rollins allegedly tried to influence the race in his favor.

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What they’re saying

“Funny, men can have a state ETHICS violation, PAY A $5K FINE for using their 'official position as Suffolk DA to secure … the substantially valuable and unwarranted privilege of the … DA's Office to their own personal political advantage' to win their 2022 election & have integrity.”

— Rachael Rollins, Former U.S. Attorney

“Through her actions, Rachael Rollins has shown that she lacks the two most fundamental qualifications for serving as district attorney: honesty and integrity.”

— Dan Conley, Former Suffolk DA

What’s next

The state Board of Bar Overseers will likely continue to monitor Rollins' conduct and could potentially take further disciplinary action against her bar license if new allegations of misconduct arise.

The takeaway

Rollins' allegations of a double standard in how her ethical lapses have been judged compared to her male counterparts highlights the complex dynamics of political accountability, especially for women in positions of power. Her bid for Suffolk DA has reignited scrutiny of her past transgressions and raises questions about the public's willingness to forgive and forget past scandals.