The Candidate in the Mass. Governor’s Race You’ve Never Heard Of Is Being Kept From Debates

Most voters now know that incumbent Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, a Democrat, faces a general election challenge from Republican Mike Minogue. However, a third gubernatorial candidate will also appear on the November 3 ballot, and you've probably never heard of her.

Andrea James is running as an Independent, had no primary election opponent, and has received virtually no media coverage.

Born and raised in Boston, the 61-year-old former Democrat left the party in 2026 to run for governor as an Independent.

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A Background in Criminal Justice Reform

A human rights activist and former attorney, James has a bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts Boston and a Juris Doctor degree from Northeastern University. She was disbarred and sentenced to two years in prison in 2009 for wire fraud.

Advocating for Incarcerated Women

Upon her release from jail, James founded and served as executive director of Families for Justice as Healing, which advocated for criminal justice reform. Her work on behalf of incarcerated women led to a meeting with President Barack Obama.

She also founded and served as executive director of the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women, and helped win clemency and commutations for at least 150 women.

Massachusetts Candidate For Governor Being Kept From Debates

On her website, James says, "I have executive experience. I have led organizations. I've managed people. I've managed budgets. I've had real-life experiences, learned from each of them, and developed compassion beyond judgment that informs solutions beyond the establishment parties' support of the profit agendas of private interests and corporations."

An Independent Platform for Massachusetts

James stands for universal healthcare and childcare, affordable housing and rent stabilization, immigration protection, and labor rights.

James Pushing for a Spot on the Mass. Governor Debate Stage

She has not been invited to participate in the planned gubernatorial debates, but told State House News Service in a statement, "If Maura Healey and Mike Minogue are on the debate stage, I should be there too."

"I earned my place on the ballot, and Massachusetts voters deserve to hear from all three of us," she said.

The election is November 3, 2026.