Crime
Kerrigan was pulled over late at night in Southborough, according to a police report.
Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Steve Kerrigan speaks at the party’s convention in Worcester in May. John Tlumacki/Boston Globe
Steve Kerrigan, the chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, was charged with drunk driving after being pulled over in Southborough last month, according to court documents.
Kerrigan entered a plea of “admission to sufficient facts,” an acknowledgement that prosecutors would have enough evidence to convict him. His OUI charge was continued without finding, while a charge of negligent operation was dismissed. He was found not responsible for a marked lanes violation.
Kerrigan lost his license for 45 days and was ordered to pay $600 in fees. He must also attend an impaired driving program.
According to a police report, Kerrigan was pulled over just after midnight on June 13 as he was driving a BMW on Turnpike Road in Southborough. His vehicle was seen driving in the middle of both lanes, on top of a dotted white line on the roadway.
Kerrigan was alone in the car and told police that he was returning home from a restaurant. In his report, the responding officer noted that Kerrigan’s eyes appeared “glassy” and “bloodshot red.” The officer could not detect the smell of alcohol due to “an overwhelming odor of cologne.” Kerrigan’s speech was slow and slurred, according to the report.
Kerrigan told the officer that he only had two beers around 6 p.m. that evening before going out to dinner. He performed field sobriety tests and, just before 1 a.m., blew a .089 in a breathalyzer test, per the report. This is just above the legal limit.
A spokesperson for the Massachusetts Democratic Party did not immediately return a request for comment.
Kerrigan acknowledged the incident in a statement provided to Boston.com through his lawyer, Andrea Levy.
“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 said.
Kerrigan was elected to lead the state party in 2023. He is a former lieutenant governor nominee and has served as an executive with the Democratic National Convention Committee. Kerrigan is also the president and CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center.
Ross Cristantiello
Ross Cristantiello, a general assignment news reporter for Boston.com since 2022, covers local politics, crime, the environment, and more.
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