Massachusetts Democratic Party Leader’s Drunken Driving Case

The chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, Steve Kerrigan, faced legal troubles after his arrest for drunken driving during a traffic stop last month. Following the incident, Kerrigan admitted to prosecutors that there was enough evidence for a conviction, according to state court records.

On June 15, two days after the traffic stop in Southborough, a judge continued the operating under the influence (OUI) liquor charge without a finding. Kerrigan entered an “admission to sufficient facts,” acknowledging that prosecutors held enough evidence for a conviction, as stated in Westborough District Court records.

Kerrigan, aged 54, was also charged with negligent operation and a marked lanes violation. The negligent operation charge was dismissed, and he was judged not responsible for the marked lanes violation.

“In June, I was pulled over for a marked lanes violation and blew a .089 on the breathalyzer,” Kerrigan said. “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.”

Consequently, Kerrigan received a sentence of one year’s probation, a driver’s license suspension for 45 days, a $600 fee, and a mandate to complete an impaired driving education program.

Kerrigan was elected chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party in 2023. Previously, he was the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in 2014 and served as an executive with the Democratic National Convention Committee. He is also the president and CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center.

The Southborough Police Department report includes the officer’s account, who stopped Kerrigan after seeing his vehicle straddle the lane divider shortly past midnight on June 13. Kerrigan’s eyes were described as “glassy” and “bloodshot red,” with slow and slurred speech. The officer noted an “overwhelming odor of cologne” that obscured the smell of alcohol.

Field sobriety tests were administered, and Kerrigan’s breath sample showed a blood alcohol content of 0.089%, slightly above the legal limit of 0.08% in Massachusetts.

Kerrigan acknowledged the event in a statement, expressing regret and taking responsibility for his actions. His statement was provided to Boston.com by his attorney, Andrea Levy.