The Massachusetts Republican Party will focus its attention on state issues rather than national politics at its upcoming convention this weekend in Worcester, party leaders said. The event, scheduled at the DCU Center, will feature three GOP gubernatorial candidates aiming to challenge incumbent Governor Maura Healey in the November election.

Unlike Democrats, who have centered their criticisms on the Trump administration’s policies, Massachusetts Republicans are emphasizing local concerns, particularly the current administration’s approach to taxation, affordability, and governance. “Democrats’ whole game is being against Trump, and I’d like to see us elect some people who are for Massachusetts and not talking about the president all the time,” a party official said.

Democratic State Party Chair Steve Kerrigan countered by asserting that the Republican contenders are closely aligned with former President Donald Trump’s agenda. In a statement, Kerrigan accused the candidates of supporting policies related to immigration enforcement, military engagement in Iran, and federal health care funding cuts, contending that their priorities do not reflect the interests of Massachusetts residents.

The three Republican candidates for governor—Michael Minogue, Brian Shortsleeve, and Mike Kenealy—are each positioning themselves as solutions to what they describe as the failures of the Healey administration. Minogue, a former biotech executive, promotes himself as a political outsider who would govern with a business mindset, focusing on accountability, affordability, opportunity, and public safety. His campaign emphasizes making Massachusetts “the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Brian Shortsleeve, who previously managed the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), is advocating for fiscal conservatism, promising to address high utility bills and taxes. He has proposed eliminating several fees and taxes, including those on tips and overtime, with an overarching goal to restore affordability in the state.

Mike Kenealy, the first Republican to announce his candidacy and a former housing and economic secretary under former Governor Charlie Baker, highlights his experience working with local governments. He criticizes Healey’s policies as “reckless” tax-and-spend measures and an out-of-touch climate agenda, urging for a new direction to address the state’s affordability crisis.

Massachusetts GOP leaders view this year’s field as a sign of renewed strength following years of financial challenges. Funding for party activities has improved, with a recent contribution of nearly $350,000 from U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton helping to reduce debts. The party also increased the fee for gubernatorial candidates to speak at the convention to $50,000 and introduced a “media row,” selling advertising spots to help generate revenue.

Approximately 3,000 of more than 4,200 qualified delegates are expected to attend the convention, each paying a $200 participation fee. The gathering will feature local Republican figures alongside the gubernatorial hopefuls, including Cape Cod gun store owner Toby Leary, Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell, Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz, and conservative talk radio host and columnist Howie Carr. The keynote address will be delivered by Seth Dillon, CEO of the conservative satire website The Babylon Bee, marking a notable inclusion of a prominent national figure with a Christian-leaning audience in a state with one of the lowest proportions of religious residents nationwide.

Candidates will need to secure at least 15 percent of delegate votes at the convention to appear on the primary ballot in September. Party officials have suggested that rallying behind the nominee is crucial to mounting a successful challenge against Governor Healey and overcoming internal divisions ahead of the general election.