During a recent debate for lieutenant governor, candidates addressed key issues including immigration enforcement, state auditing, and their campaign dynamics. New Bedford city councilor Paul Oliver faced questions regarding his response to recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids on the South Coast, where over two dozen individuals were arrested in New Bedford alone.

Moderator Jonathan Braude pressed Oliver on his public stance about the raids, noting an apparent lack of public commentary. Oliver acknowledged he had not made public statements, remarking only that residents should feel safe. When asked why he had remained silent, Oliver said he wished he had a better explanation, emphasizing that New Bedford remains a safe city. Oliver’s family background includes multiple generations of Portuguese immigrants.

In the same debate, Chelmsford Select Board member Kim Driscoll and state auditor Diana DiZoglio’s efforts to conduct an audit of the Massachusetts Legislature became a focal point. DiZoglio, empowered by a 2024 voter-approved ballot referendum, has accused Attorney General Maura Healey of avoiding meetings intended to advance the audit, which remains entangled in political and legal challenges.

Driscoll echoed support for the audit but did not directly respond to DiZoglio’s accusations against Healey. She highlighted that both she and Healey have expressed support for the audit’s implementation. Drawing on her seventeen years as mayor of Salem—where audits were routine—Driscoll emphasized transparency and the importance of moving forward swiftly. “We think it should happen right away,” she said, adding that their position has been communicated clearly to both the auditor and legislative officials.

Olver challenged Healey and Driscoll’s approach, arguing that the current administration has not done enough to actively build coalitions necessary to carry out the audit. He called for greater leadership from the executive branch, stating that governing requires collaboration and respect for voter mandates.

The debate also shed light on the Republican lieutenant governor candidate Paul Oliver’s partnership with gubernatorial candidate Geoff Minogue. Originally, Oliver ran alongside Brian Shortsleeve, Minogue’s former primary challenger, and had criticized Minogue for insufficient vetting of a previous lieutenant governor candidate. Following their respective primary victories, Oliver and Minogue were paired on a ticket, a development Oliver described as a “new friendship” marked by ongoing coordination and shared priorities such as affordability, accountability, opportunity, and public safety.

Oliver noted the contrast with the Democratic ticket of Driscoll and Healey, who have campaigned together for years. Despite this, Oliver confirmed active collaboration with Minogue, including daily communications and joint campaign efforts.

After the debate, Minogue praised Oliver’s performance in a social media statement, declaring the Republican ticket the clear choice to enhance the quality of life in Massachusetts. The lieutenant governor race is anticipated to remain a key component of the upcoming statewide election cycle.