Love her or dislike her, Governor Maura Healey has become one of the most consequential political figures in modern Massachusetts history.
Since taking office in January 2023, Healey has overseen the Commonwealth during a period marked by rising housing costs, an ongoing migrant shelter crisis, MBTA challenges, intense debates over energy policy, and growing national political polarization. Supporters view her as a pragmatic problem solver focused on affordability and civil rights. Critics argue she has failed to adequately address the state's affordability crisis and has embraced policies that are out of step with many Massachusetts residents.
So who exactly is Maura Healey?
Maura Healey is the 73rd governor of Massachusetts. A Democrat, she previously served as Massachusetts Attorney General from 2015 to 2023. In 2022, she became the first woman elected governor of Massachusetts and the state's first openly LGBTQ governor.
Early Life and Education
Maura Tracy Healey was born on February 8, 1971, in Bethesda, Maryland, and grew up in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. She attended Harvard University, where she played varsity basketball, graduating in 1992. She later earned a law degree and built a legal career that included work in private practice and as a prosecutor.
Before entering statewide politics, Healey served in the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office under former Attorney General Martha Coakley, eventually leading several major divisions within the office.
Political Career
Massachusetts Attorney General (2015–2023)
Healey was elected Attorney General in 2014 and reelected in 2018.
As attorney general, she gained national attention for:
- Challenging the federal Defense of Marriage Act.
- Suing major opioid manufacturers and distributors.
- Pursuing consumer protection cases.
- Taking legal action against the Trump administration on multiple issues, including immigration and environmental policy.
Supporters praised her aggressive consumer advocacy and civil rights record.
Critics accused her of using the office to pursue national political ambitions and frequently engaging in partisan legal battles.
Becoming Governor
Healey won the Massachusetts governor's race in 2022, succeeding Republican Governor Charlie Baker.
Her election was historic. She became:
- The first woman elected governor in Massachusetts history.
- The first openly LGBTQ person elected to statewide office in Massachusetts.
- One of the first openly lesbian governors in U.S. history.
What Supporters Like About Maura Healey
1. Focus on Affordability
Healey has made affordability a central theme of her administration, emphasizing housing, transportation, child care, and workforce development. She signed what her administration describes as the largest housing investment package in state history and has supported tax relief measures.
2. Civil Rights Advocacy
Throughout her career, Healey has championed LGBTQ rights, abortion rights, and anti-discrimination initiatives. Supporters argue that Massachusetts has remained a national leader on civil rights under her administration.
3. Pragmatic Leadership Style
Even some political observers who expected a more progressive administration have described Healey as pragmatic and willing to adjust policy positions when necessary.
4. Housing and Transportation Investments
Healey has prioritized housing production, MBTA improvements, and education investments as part of her broader competitiveness agenda.
The Biggest Criticisms of Maura Healey
1. Massachusetts Remains Expensive
Critics argue that despite promises to lower costs, Massachusetts remains one of the nation's most expensive states for housing, energy, and everyday living.
Opponents contend that affordability challenges have continued to worsen during her tenure. Supporters counter that many of these issues predate her administration and require long-term solutions.
2. The Migrant Shelter Crisis
Perhaps no issue has generated more controversy than the state's emergency shelter system.
Critics have argued that the administration was slow to respond to rapidly rising shelter costs and insufficiently transparent about spending. Supporters note that Massachusetts' right-to-shelter law predates Healey and that unprecedented migration pressures affected states nationwide.
3. Energy and Climate Policies
Healey has strongly supported Massachusetts' climate goals, but critics say some clean-energy proposals could raise costs for residents already facing high utility bills.
Her administration has delayed implementation of certain climate-related regulations amid affordability concerns, drawing criticism from both environmental advocates and fiscal conservatives.
4. Cultural and Social Issues
Healey's positions on transgender rights, abortion rights, immigration, and LGBTQ issues have made her a frequent target of conservatives.
Supporters view these positions as consistent with Massachusetts values and civil-rights protections. Critics argue some policies place ideology ahead of parental rights or public opinion.
Where Does Maura Healey Stand Politically?
Healey is generally considered a center-left Democrat.
She supports:
- Expanded abortion access.
- LGBTQ rights protections.
- Aggressive climate initiatives.
- Gun-control measures.
- Increased housing production.
- Investments in public transportation and education.
However, some progressives have criticized her for governing more moderately than expected, particularly on immigration enforcement and fiscal policy.
Is Maura Healey Popular?
Public polling has generally shown Healey maintaining solid approval ratings, although dissatisfaction over housing costs, shelter spending, and affordability remains a significant political challenge heading into her reelection campaign.
Personal Life
Healey lives in Massachusetts and is in a relationship with attorney Joanna Lydgate. She remains an avid basketball player and frequently references sports analogies when discussing public policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maura Healey a Democrat?
Yes. Maura Healey is a member of the Democratic Party.
How old is Maura Healey?
Maura Healey was born on February 8, 1971.
Was Maura Healey attorney general?
Yes. She served as Massachusetts Attorney General from 2015 through 2023.
Is Maura Healey running for reelection?
Yes. Healey has announced her intention to seek a second term as governor in 2026.
What are Maura Healey's biggest issues as governor?
Affordability, housing, transportation, climate policy, and the state's shelter system have been among the defining issues of her administration.
Bottom Line
Maura Healey has broken barriers and reshaped Massachusetts politics. Admirers see a historic, pragmatic leader focused on affordability and civil rights. Critics see an administration struggling to address high costs and pursuing policies they believe move the state in the wrong direction.
As Massachusetts heads toward another gubernatorial election, voters will ultimately decide which view prevails.
