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New Bedford Mayor Endorses Gov. Healey's Re-Election
Mayor Jon Mitchell praises state's partnership and investments in the city's fishing industry and economic development.
Published on Feb. 18, 2026
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New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell endorsed Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey's re-election campaign, citing the state's $18 million investment in modernizing the city's Leonard's Wharf and other economic development projects that have benefited the community.
Why it matters
The endorsement from the long-serving mayor of New Bedford, a key economic hub for the state's fishing industry, is seen as an important show of support for Governor Healey's re-election bid. The state's partnership and investments in the city's infrastructure and economic development initiatives have been crucial for the local economy.
The details
During a campaign stop at Leonard's Wharf, Mayor Mitchell praised the $45 million reconstruction project that is modernizing the pier, which he said will allow it to be 'filled back up with fishing vessels.' He credited the Healey-Driscoll administration for providing $18 million in state funding for the project, calling it a 'tremendous economic development project' that represents 'job creation and growth' for the city's vital fishing industry.
- The Leonard's Wharf reconstruction project is expected to be completed later this year.
The players
Jon Mitchell
The mayor of New Bedford, Massachusetts, who has endorsed Governor Maura Healey's re-election campaign.
Maura Healey
The current governor of Massachusetts, who is running for re-election.
Kim Driscoll
The current lieutenant governor of Massachusetts, who is running for re-election alongside Governor Healey.
What they’re saying
“We need it because this is a very crowded port. This is the seafood capital of America.”
— Jon Mitchell, Mayor of New Bedford (southcoasttoday.com)
“I can't say enough about the work that the governor and the lieutenant governor have done to get on the same page with us here in New Bedford, to advance our projects, to execute, to make economic opportunities happen.”
— Jon Mitchell, Mayor of New Bedford (southcoasttoday.com)
“It's in that context I am proud here today to announce my endorsement of Gov. Healey and Lt. Gov. Driscoll for re-election.”
— Jon Mitchell, Mayor of New Bedford (southcoasttoday.com)
“This is a tremendous economic development project. It represents a huge investment in economic infrastructure. It's about job creation and growth. And it's about what we should be doing in investing in an industry and a space that has brought so much to this great city.”
— Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts (southcoasttoday.com)
“We're a team that's all about partnerships, playing together, working together for the betterment of folks in New Bedford and this region.”
— Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts (southcoasttoday.com)
What’s next
The Leonard's Wharf reconstruction project is expected to be completed later this year, allowing the port to be 'filled back up with fishing vessels' and further boosting the city's vital fishing industry.
The takeaway
The endorsement from New Bedford's long-serving mayor highlights the importance of the state's partnership and investments in the city's economic development, particularly in supporting its fishing industry, which is seen as crucial for the region's prosperity.
