BOSTON — Massachusetts State Senator Peter Durant, a Republican representing the Worcester and Hampshire district—which includes Gardner, Westminster, and Templeton—is contemplating a run for governor in the 2026 election. During an interview Sunday on WCVB’s “On The Record,” Durant suggested that Governor Maura Healey may be vulnerable as she seeks a second term.
“At the end of the day, I have to answer a few questions to myself. And that is, ‘A: Do I think I’ll make a good governor?’ I do, so I think we can pass that bar,” Durant said during the interview. Adding, “‘Do I think I can win?’ OK, I feel like there’s a 50-50 shot, right now, today. OK. ‘Do you think that someone else is better at this?’ And that’s what we’re going to find out too.”
Durant, who is a resident of Spencer, also pointed to a recent WCVB/UMass poll showing Governor Healey polling between 40% and 45% in hypothetical matchups against potential Republican challengers, including himself, which he said signals an opening for the GOP.
“She only gets to 40% of people who say they would reelect her, so there’s certainly a door that’s open there,” Durant said.
Other Republicans mentioned as possible gubernatorial candidates include Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis, former Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, former MBTA Chief Administrator Brian Shortsleeve, and former U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton.
I think someone should knock on Brad Bailey’s door