Polls Show Support for Healey Amid Republican Pushback in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is facing the prospect of reelection in February 2026 with renewed support, as a recent poll indicates that over half of state residents approve of her performance. The survey, conducted by the MassINC Polling Group for the media outlet Commonwealth Beacon, reveals that 20% of respondents strongly approve of Healey’s job, while another 35% somewhat approve. The poll, which surveyed 1,000 residents from August 11 to August 18, also reported that 15% somewhat disapprove and 18% strongly disapprove of her governance.

Tensions arose from the poll results when an advisor to Mike Kennealy, a Republican candidate for governor and former cabinet secretary under ex-Governor Charlie Baker, criticized the credibility of the polling firm. Brian Wynne, who has experience as Baker’s campaign manager and heads his own polling operation, Opinion Diagnostics, dismissed the MassINC poll as “statistically unscientific.” He specifically referenced past inaccuracies, including a notable overestimation of support for a 2022 millionaires tax amendment.

The polling methodology from MassINC involved collecting responses through an online panel, with results adjusted for demographics such as race, age, gender, education, political affiliation, and county. The firm noted a credibility interval of +/- 3.5 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

Kennealy’s spokesperson, Logan Trupiano, pointed to a previous MassINC survey that inaccurately forecasted public opinion regarding the “Fair Share Amendment,” which ultimately passed with only 52% support, contrary to the 59% indicated by the poll.

Despite the skepticism from Kennealy’s camp, the poll results suggest that Healey’s approval aligns with findings from earlier surveys. A University of Massachusetts Amherst/WCVB poll from February indicated a 57% approval rating for Healey, while a University of New Hampshire survey in May recorded her at 49%. A Morning Consult poll in July indicated a 59% approval rating. In contrast, an internal survey from Kennealy’s campaign in February placed Healey’s approval at 45%, with a margin of error of 3.4%.

The political landscape in Massachusetts appears challenging for any Republican candidate aiming to unseat Healey. Steve Kerrigan, chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, highlighted the poll as evidence that voters recognize Healey’s efforts in managing the economy and addressing rising costs, asserting that she is the candidate capable of countering the influence of national conservative politics in the state.

In related news, healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson has taken steps to engage in Massachusetts politics. The company has established a political action committee (PAC) aimed at supporting candidates and policies that align with its public health initiatives and industry interests. This development follows the company’s filing with the state campaign finance office earlier in September.

A spokesperson for Johnson & Johnson indicated that the PAC will facilitate contributions to candidates and initiatives promoting healthcare innovation and access. The committee is chaired by James Swanson, the company’s chief information officer, with Jennifer Thomas, a senior manager of political programs, serving as treasurer.

Johnson & Johnson has previously engaged lobbying firms in Massachusetts, investing over $56,000 to advocate for issues affecting the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, further solidifying its presence in the state.

As the political landscape evolves in Massachusetts, both Healey’s approval ratings and Johnson & Johnson’s engagement in local elections will play significant roles in shaping the upcoming electoral climate.