Steve Kerrigan, chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, was arrested during a traffic stop in Southborough on June 13 and subsequently admitted to sufficient facts for an operating under the influence charge, according to state court records. A Westborough District Court judge continued the OUI liquor charge without a finding on June 15 after Kerrigan entered the admission, a Massachusetts legal disposition in which a defendant acknowledges prosecutors have enough evidence to secure a conviction.
According to a Southborough Police Department report, an officer stopped Kerrigan shortly after midnight on June 13 after observing his BMW traveling on or over the lane divider. The officer noted Kerrigan's eyes appeared "glassy" and "bloodshot red" with slow, slurred speech. Police administered field sobriety tests before Kerrigan provided a breath sample that registered a 0.089% blood alcohol content, above Massachusetts' legal limit of 0.08%.
In addition to the OUI charge, Kerrigan faced negligent operation and marked lanes violation charges. The negligent operation charge was dismissed, and he was found not responsible for the marked lanes violation. The judge sentenced him to one year of probation, a 45-day driver's license suspension, $600 in fees, and completion of an impaired driving education program.
What the Right Is Saying
Republican critics have pointed to the incident as raising questions about judgment for a state party leader. State Republican officials have noted that Kerrigan, who previously served as the 2014 Democratic lieutenant governor nominee and currently serves as president and CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center, should be held to a high standard given his prominent role in Massachusetts politics.
Some Republican commentators have highlighted what they characterize as leniency in the sentencing outcome, including the charge being continued without finding rather than resulting in a conviction on Kerrigan's record.
What the Left Is Saying
Kerrigan acknowledged the incident through a statement provided by his attorney Andrea Levy to Boston.com: "In June, I was pulled over for a marked lanes violation and blew a .089 on the breathalyzer. I regret and take full responsibility for my actions and their consequences and appreciate the Southborough Police Department and Westborough Court for their professionalism and service."
Supporters note that Kerrigan accepted accountability through the court process and that the charge was continued without a finding, meaning it may be erased from his record upon completing probation. The Massachusetts Democratic Party has not issued a public statement regarding the matter.
What the Numbers Show
Blood alcohol content at time of arrest: 0.089% (legal limit in Massachusetts is 0.08%)
Sentence received: 1 year probation, 45-day license suspension, $600 in fees, impaired driving education program required
Kerrigan was elected chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party in 2023
He previously served as executive with the Democratic National Convention Committee and was the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in 2014
The Bottom Line
The case represents a legal resolution to an incident involving a prominent state party leader. Kerrigan continues to serve as chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party following his court appearance. The charge being continued without a finding means it may be expunged from his record if he completes probation without violations. Whether this matter affects his leadership position within the party remains to be seen, as the state Democratic Party has not announced any change in response to the incident.