The Chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party was arrested earlier this summer for alleged drunk driving, according to police records out of Southborough.
According to a Southborough Police log dated June 13, MassDems Chair Steve Kerrigan, 54, was arrested for OUI liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and a marked lanes violation. According to the report, Kerrigan was arrested around midnight on Turnpike Road in Southborough.
“In June I was pulled over for a marked lane violation and blew a .089 on the breathalyzer. I regret and take full responsibility for my actions and their consequences and appreciate the Southborough PD and Westborough Court for their professionalism and service,” Kerrigan told the Herald in a written statement.
According to court documents obtained by the Herald, Kerrigan had pleaded guilty to the charges in Westborough District Court, where Judge Michael Welsh sentenced him to a year of probation that ends June 15, 2027. The judge also ordered his license suspended for 45 days, a period that ends August 14.
Kerrigan also paid a total of $650 in fines and fees.
As a result of his plea deal, Kerrigan’s OUI charge was continued without a finding with the negligent operation of a motor vehicle charge dismissed. He was found not responsible for the marked lanes violation.
While Kerrigan’s exact location the night leading up to his arrest are unclear, OCPF records show several political events Kerrigan would reasonably be expected to have attended were held the night of June 12, including a fundraiser for Democratic state Rep. Carole Fiola at Carrie Nation – a restaurant and cocktail bar on Beacon Street in Boston. The same day, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu also hosted an event at the UMass Club earlier that day – another venue where drinks are served.
The drunk driving arrest comes as Kerrigan, and elected officials and other members of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, have supported the push for happy hour and an extending last call at Bay State bars until 3:00 am.
Kerrigan was elected Chair of the state Democratic Party in April 2023. Kerrigan also serves as a member of the Lancaster Select Board and as the President and CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center. He previously had worked as the Principal of public affairs firm Kilgeever Consulting Group.
Kerrigan was also the Democratic nominee for Lt. Gov. in 2014, earning more than 220,000 votes in a loss to Republican Karyn Polito.
Kerrigan did not immediately respond to a Herald request for comment.
The Herald also requested comment from the MassDems as well as the Massachusetts Republican Party.
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