BOSTON, MA — Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Shortsleeve, a Marine Corps veteran, successful business leader, and proven government reformer, today announced new endorsements from State Representatives Joe McKenna and Donnie Berthiaume, who join a growing list of elected officials and grassroots leaders supporting Shortsleeve’s campaign to restore affordability, accountability, and common sense to Beacon Hill.
McKenna and Berthiaume join a coalition that already includes a sitting mayor, multiple state representatives, and a state senator, along with Republican Town Committee chairs, municipal officials, and longtime party activists from across the Commonwealth.
“A majority of MA voters know that Beacon Hill is out of touch with the people it’s supposed to serve,” said Representative Joe McKenna. “We need a Governor that not only has the experience, intelligence, and work ethic to tackle the hard problems facing our families, but who also is relatable with the passion to connect with people from all backgrounds to really know and understand what those issues are. I firmly believe that Brian Shortsleeve is that leader; he radiates a sense of energy, excitement, and confidence about the positive direction that Massachusetts can take with the right leadership, and I believe he has the experience to deliver those results.”
“Massachusetts is at a breaking point,” said Representative Donnie Berthiaume. “Families are paying more for housing, energy, and taxes while Beacon Hill keeps growing government and dodging accountability. Brian Shortsleeve is the only candidate in this race with the backbone to take on the political class that created this mess and the real-world experience to fix it. That’s why I’m proud to support him.”
Additional new endorsers include:
Mark Bandoza, Leominster City Councilor and Republican State Committeeman
Jim Ettamarna, Sutton Selectman
Catherine Krabey, Plainville Republican Town Committee Chair
Rob Chamberlain, Dennis Republican Town Committee Chair
Ally Webster, Lakeville Republican Town Committee Chair and Vice Chair, Massachusetts Young Republicans
Jaqui Van Looy, Wellesley Republican Town Committee Chair
Michael Doud, Barnstable Republican Town Committee Chair
Scott Lemay, Weston Republican Town Committee Chair
Leonard Hull, former Dighton Selectmen
Barbara Bush, former Republican State Committee member
Shortsleeve said the continued expansion of his endorsement list reflects growing momentum behind a campaign focused on results, not rhetoric.
“I’m honored to have the support of leaders who are on the front lines in their communities and see firsthand how Beacon Hill’s policies are hurting families, small businesses, and cities and towns,” said Shortsleeve. “This coalition includes local officials, state legislators, and community leaders who know what works, what doesn’t, and who’s ready to lead.”
Shortsleeve emphasized that his campaign is centered on immediate action to lower energy costs, rein in government spending, restore public safety, and put cities and towns first.
“This election is a choice between higher costs, more mandates, and less accountability, or a new direction for Massachusetts.Together, we’re building the coalition to win and deliver real change,” added Shortsleeve
Today’s endorsers join a long list of state and local leaders backing Shortsleeve including Senator Peter Durant, Representatives Marc Lombardo, Nick Boldyga, and Paul Frost, Mayor Shaunna O’Connell, Taunton City Councilor Larry Quintal, Republican State Committee members Sean Powers, Dan Hickey, Alex Hagerty, Jess Boldyga, Mark Bodanza, Caroline Cunningham, Ryan Chamberland, Tim Smyth, Judy Crocker (Vice Chair), and Amanda Peterson (Secretary), former Republican State Committee member Greg Casey, former State Representatives Ginny Coppola and Dan Webster, former Barnstable County Sheriff Jim Cummings, and former State Representative and Barnstable Town Councilor Will Crocker.