Healey Grabs Holyoke Endorsements in Reelection Bid

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey secures support from local leaders in the Paper City.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has secured endorsements from several Holyoke leaders, including Mayor Joshua Garcia, as she runs for reelection. Healey touted her administration's work in the city, including investments in housing, education, and the arts. Local officials praised Healey's commitment to Holyoke, with the mayor saying the city has been a top priority for the governor.

Why it matters

Holyoke is an important political battleground in Massachusetts, and Healey's ability to secure support from local leaders there could be crucial to her reelection bid. The endorsements highlight Healey's efforts to maintain strong relationships with municipalities across the state.

The details

At a campaign event in Holyoke, Mayor Joshua Garcia led the endorsement of Healey, praising her administration for delivering on promises made to the city. Healey highlighted her administration's work, including a $6.5 billion housing bond bill, efforts to return local control of Holyoke's schools, and funding to stabilize the historic Victory Theatre. Local officials like Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby and Holyoke City Council President Tessa Murphy-Romboletti also endorsed Healey at the event.

  • Healey campaigned in Holyoke 4 years ago as Attorney General.
  • The endorsement event was held on Tuesday.

The players

Maura T. Healey

The incumbent Governor of Massachusetts, running for reelection.

Joshua Garcia

The Mayor of Holyoke, who led the endorsement event for Healey.

Kimberly Driscoll

The incumbent Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, running for reelection alongside Healey.

Salem Derby

The newly elected Mayor of Easthampton, who endorsed Healey at the event.

Tessa Murphy-Romboletti

The Holyoke City Council President, who endorsed Healey at the event.

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What they’re saying

“They have delivered on every single one.”

— Joshua Garcia, Mayor of Holyoke (masslive.com)

“Know please that Holyoke is always going to be top of mind in our administration. And we are here for you.”

— Maura T. Healey (masslive.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Healey's ability to secure endorsements from Holyoke's local leaders demonstrates her administration's commitment to the city and could be a key factor in her reelection bid, as Holyoke is an important political battleground in Massachusetts.