> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.newbostonpost.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Massachusetts Democrats Back Happy Hour as Party Chairman’s OUI Arrest Becomes Public
- URL: https://www.newbostonpost.com/massachusetts-democrats-back-happy-hour-as-party-chairmans-oui-arrest-becomes-public/
- Published: 2026-07-28T18:23:57.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-28T18:23:57.000Z
- Description: Massachusetts Democratic Party Chairman Steve Kerrigan received probation and a 45-day license suspension after an OUI arrest in Southborough.
- Author: State House News Service
- Tags: News, Politics, State Government, #lead, #morning-bell, morning-bell, #4, Massachusetts

Alison Kuznitz  
State House News Service

The Senate embraced a [local-option happy hour](https://www.statehousenews.com/news/economy/senators-show-theyre-up-for-some-of-fun-agenda-but-not-all-of-it/article%5Fb2a2c2d1-851a-4c05-978e-e2a73e267af4.html?ref=newbostonpost.com) policy last week as revelations broke that Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Steve Kerrigan was arrested for drunken driving over a month ago. 

Kerrigan was arrested Saturday, June 13 on Turnpike Road in Southborough, police records show. He was charged with operating under the influence of intoxicating liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and a marked lanes violation.

At an arraignment two days later, Kerrigan pleaded to sufficient facts entered in Westborough District Court. Judge Michael Welsh sentenced Kerrigan to one year's probation and suspended his license for 45 days.

Kerrigan was fined $600 for the OUI charge, which the judge continued without a finding. The negligent operation of a motor vehicle charge was dismissed, and Kerrigan was found not responsible for the marked lanes violation. A notice was also sent to the Westin Copley Place in Boston.

"In June I was pulled over for a marked lane violation and blew a .089 on the breathalyzer," Kerrigan said in a statement. "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."

The News Service asked Massachusetts Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Carnevale whether Kerrigan should resign.

"We recognize that no person or leader is infallible," Carnevale said Monday. "It is appropriate that Chairman Kerrigan has taken responsibility for his actions in this instance and we are glad nobody was harmed."

The Boston Globe and Boston Herald reported about Kerrigan's arrest last week.

In response to the arrest of Kerrigan, the 2014 Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, Gov. Maura Healey said, "Driving under the influence is never acceptable."

"I have spoken to Steve and told him how unacceptable this is," she said. "He has taken responsibility for his actions and committed to making sure this never happens again. I am grateful to law enforcement for their response and all they do to keep our communities safe."

Rep. John Lawn, co-chair of the Health Care Financing Committee, was arrested on an OUI charge outside the State House last summer.