Massachusetts Voters Can’t Name a Single Healey Accomplishment Despite High Poll Numbers

A recent Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll confirms that while Governor Maura Healey continues to poll well ahead of her Republican challengers, Mike Minogue and Brian Shortsleeve, more than half of the respondents remain unable to name a single signature accomplishment of her administration.

Just over 33 percent didn't know, didn't answer, or refused to answer the question. A full 17.4 percent told pollsters Healey's signature accomplishment was "nothing."

Though voters don't seem to know what Healey has done since taking office three and a half years ago, they apparently like her and instantly recognize her when shown a photo.

Massachusetts Residents Know Healey But Not What She's Done

High Name Recognition Anchors Healey's Leads

Boston Herald political reporter Tim Dunn talked to 51 voters in five Massachusetts communities, including New Bedford, Fall River, Dartmouth, Waltham, and Plymouth. When shown a headshot photograph of Healey, 98 percent were able to identify her.

MassGOP Challengers Battle Low Public Profile

Only 13.7 percent could identify Minogue, the MassGOP-endorsed candidate, and 7.6 percent could identify Shortsleeve.

Eighteen percent told Dunn, who conducted the Howie Carr Show-Boston Herald poll on Friday, June 19, 2026, that they recognized Minogue and Shortsleeve but didn't know their names.

Massachusetts Residents Know Healey But Not What She's Done

Decisive Margins in Potential General Election Runoffs

The Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll shows Healey leads Minogue in a head-to-head contest by a 56.2 to 31.0 percent margin, with 11.4 percent undecided.

In a runoff with Shortsleeve, Healey wins 56.4 percent to 29.4 percent with 12.6 percent undecided.

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The primary election between Minogue and Shortsleeve is September 1, 2026, and the general election between the primary winner and Healey is November 3.

So far, Minogue has refused to debate Shortsleeve, a move that would allow the candidates an opportunity to be seen and recognized by voters.

Time is quickly running out, and right now time is on Maura Healey's side.