The chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, Steve Kerrigan, encountered legal troubles following a traffic stop leading to DUI allegations. Last month, during a routine stop, Kerrigan was arrested for alleged drunken driving. State court records reveal that Kerrigan admitted prosecutors had enough evidence for a conviction. On June 15, two days after the occurrence in Southborough, a judge continued the operating under the influence (OUI) liquor charge without a finding. This legal move, known as an ‘admission to sufficient facts,’ involves Kerrigan acknowledging that the evidence was adequate for a conviction.
In addition to the OUI accusation, Kerrigan, 54, faced charges of negligent operation and a marked lanes violation. The negligent operation charge was dropped, and he was found not responsible for the lanes violation. His sentencing included a year’s probation, a 45-day driver’s license suspension, a $600 fine, and a mandate to complete an impaired driving education program.
Kerrigan’s role as a prominent figure in Massachusetts politics extends beyond leading the Democratic Party since 2023. His political career includes being the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in 2014 and serving as an executive with the Democratic National Convention Committee. Additionally, he is the president and CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center.
The incident report from the Southborough Police Department indicates that Kerrigan was stopped shortly after midnight on June 13. His vehicle was spotted straddling the lane divider. The officer reported that Kerrigan’s eyes were ‘glassy’ and ‘bloodshot red,’ and his speech was slow and slurred. An ‘overwhelming odor of cologne’ prevented the officer from detecting alcohol.
Kerrigan informed the officer he was returning from a restaurant, having consumed two beers around 6 p.m. Field sobriety tests were performed, and a breathalyzer test registered a blood alcohol content of 0.089%, exceeding the Massachusetts legal limit of 0.08%.
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 the Westborough Court for their professionalism and service.
Kerrigan stated through his attorney, Andrea Levy, as reported by Boston.com.
The Massachusetts Democratic Party has not responded to inquiries from Fox News Digital concerning this event.
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