Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey Maintains High Approval Despite Controversies

Incumbent Democrat holds commanding lead over Republican challengers heading into 2026 election

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:26am

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A photorealistic painting of the Massachusetts State House building in Boston, rendered in a warm, cinematic style with dramatic lighting and shadows, conveying a sense of quiet political authority and stability.The Massachusetts State House, seat of state government, stands as a symbol of political power and influence in the Commonwealth.Boston Today

Despite facing criticism over her handling of migrant shelter spending, fraud investigations, and an aide's arrest, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey maintains a strong job approval rating among voters. Recent polls show Healey leading her Republican challengers by wide margins as she seeks a second term in 2026.

Why it matters

Healey's ability to maintain high approval ratings despite controversies in her first term highlights the challenges facing Republicans in winning statewide races in the increasingly blue state of Massachusetts. Her success could also boost her national profile within the Democratic party.

The details

Polling data shows that three-quarters of Massachusetts voters rate Healey's job performance as excellent or good, with only 16% saying she is doing a 'fair' job and just 6% rating her performance as 'poor'. This comes despite Healey facing criticism over budget overruns in her administration's migrant shelter spending, failure to root out fraud, and the arrest of one of her aides on drug trafficking charges.

  • Healey was elected governor in 2022 and is currently serving her first term.
  • The latest Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll was conducted in April 2026.

The players

Maura Healey

The Democratic incumbent governor of Massachusetts, first elected in 2022. Healey has maintained high approval ratings despite facing criticism over several controversies in her first term.

Donald Trump

The former Republican president, whom Healey has frequently criticized and blamed for the state's problems, to the apparent approval of Massachusetts voters.

Michelle Wu

The Democratic mayor of Boston, who Healey's team has contrasted with by portraying the governor as more accessible and accommodating to the media.

Mike Kennealy

One of Healey's Republican challengers in the 2026 gubernatorial election.

Mike Minogue

Another Republican challenger to Healey in the 2026 election.

Brian Shortsleeve

A third Republican running against Healey, whose campaign claimed his campaign had 'momentum' despite polling far behind the incumbent.

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What they’re saying

“Healey seemingly has managed a major feat – keeping moderate and independent voters relatively satisfied despite being framed by her critics as too liberal.”

— Joe Battenfeld, Political Columnist

“Blaming President Donald Trump for all the state's problems hasn't hurt. In a deep blue state where Trump is unpopular, Healey wasted no opportunity to slam him at every turn. And the voters apparently are buying it.”

— Joe Battenfeld, Political Columnist

What’s next

The next major event will be the 2026 Massachusetts gubernatorial election, where Healey will seek a second term. Recent polling suggests she is the heavy favorite to win re-election despite the controversies of her first term.

The takeaway

Maura Healey's ability to maintain high approval ratings in Massachusetts despite facing criticism over her administration's handling of several issues highlights the challenges facing Republicans in winning statewide races in the increasingly Democratic-leaning state. Her success could also boost her national profile within the Democratic party.