Quintal and Others Also Endorse Shortsleeve
BOSTON, MA – Today, Marine Corps Veteran, successful business leader, and proven government reformer Brian Shortsleeve, Republican candidate for governor announced that Massachusetts’ only Republican Mayor Shaunna O’Connell, Taunton City Councilor Larry Quintal, and former State Representative Jeff Perry have endorsed his candidacy.
Mayor O’Connell highlighted Shortsleeve’s understanding of the real-life pressures facing working families and the importance of practical, results-driven leadership.
“I’m endorsing Brian Shortsleeve because he understands the many challenges families and communities are feeling every day. Brian knows that affordability isn’t just a policy issue. It’s a kitchen-table issue. He has the compassion and practical experience to deliver real relief. He’s committed to strengthening our neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, and making sure every community has the opportunity to thrive. That’s the kind of leadership Massachusetts needs, and that’s why I’m proud to support him,” said O’Connell.
“Brian knows how essential strong local aid is to the health of our cities and towns. Brian is committed to delivering the resources municipalities need to keep schools strong, improve public safety, and ease the burden on homeowners. He knows that when communities have the support they deserve, families thrive and that’s the kind of partnership municipalities across Massachusetts can count on from him,” added O’Connell.
City Councilor Quintal emphasized Shortsleeve’s commitment to strong local partnerships and his understanding of how essential reliable state support is for municipalities across the Commonwealth.
“As a city councilor and future State Representative, I want a governor who will make affordability and local aid to our city a priority. There is one candidate who has the determination, the proven record of success, and the leadership skills to make it happen. That’s why I am proudly endorsing Brian Shortsleeve for Governor,” said Quintal.
“We have seen over 160 communities need overrides. Easton and Raynham are facing tough decisions because Gov. Healey and her legislative allies have diverted funds that could have gone for local aid to the migrants. That’s the wrong priority. As the next State Representative, I look forward to working with Brian Shortsleeve to bring back common sense to the State House,” added Quintal.
Shortsleeve thanked the mayor and councilor for their support and underscored the importance of local leadership in shaping the future of the Commonwealth.
“Mayor O’Connell and Councilor Quintal work every day to strengthen Taunton and improve the lives of the people they serve. I’m grateful for their support and partnership. Local leaders understand better than anyone what’s working, what’s not, and what families need to succeed. As governor, I will work with every city and town to ensure they have the tools, resources, and support required to build strong communities and a stronger Massachusetts,” said Shortsleeve.
These endorsements add to the growing list of municipal, legislative, and community leaders backing Shortsleeve’s campaign including Senator Peter Durant, Representatives Marc Lombardo, Nick Boldyga, and Paul Frost, Republican State Committee members Sean Powers, Dan Hickey, Alex Hagerty, Jess Boldyga, Mark Bodanza, Caroline Cunningham, Ryan Chamberland, Tommy Balcom, Tim Smyth, Judy Crocker (Vice Chair), and Amanda Peterson (Secretary), former State Representatives Ginny Coppola and Dan Webster, former Barnstable County Sheriff Jim Cummings, and former State Representative and Barnstable Town Councilor Will Crocker.
About Mayor Shaunna O’Connell
Shaunna is a Taunton native proudly raising her family in her hometown. She has been married to her husband, Ted, for 26 years, and their greatest joy is raising their two children, Ashton and Riley.
Shaunna grew up with her mom and two siblings, and the family received housing assistance to make ends meet. Shaunna worked two jobs to earn enough money to put herself through college. Upon graduation from college, O’Connell immediately became self-employed as a professional freelance court reporter and worked in many different areas of the legal system for 15 years. In 2010 Shaunna ran for the Massachusetts House of Representatives and successfully defeated a long-time incumbent. As State Rep, Shaunna distinguished herself as a hardworking and determined leader and fiscal watchdog for the people she represents.
As a legislator, Shaunna was a leader in fighting for welfare reforms. Due to her persistence, the Commonwealth has saved millions of dollars in stopping fraud. She also led the fight for transparency within the MBTA pension fund and stopping illegal immigrants from getting state housing assistance over local families, seniors, and veterans.
With a passion for serving the community she loves, Shaunna ran for Mayor and was elected by a wide margin in 2019. Determined to keep her promises, O’Connell worked to implement a strategic plan to reshape City Hall to a more consumer-friendly resource, to improve roads, revitalize neighborhoods, and make downtown a destination.
As Mayor, O’Connell streamlined city departments for efficiency, increased the City’s bond rating to AA+, paved 30% of the roads, created economic development initiatives, provided seniors with tax relief, re-established the Taunton Redevelopment Authority, increased grant funding by 800% and kept taxes $2700 below the statewide average.