Two New Bedford City Councilors Join Republican Party

In a development largely overlooked by the local news media, two incumbent New Bedford City Councilors have joined the Republican Party. That's huge news in a blue city by the sea, in a state dominated by Democrats at the local, state, and federal levels.

A Rare Political Shift in New Bedford

Ward 1 Councilor Leo Choquette, a former Democrat, and Ward 3 Councilor Shawn Oliver, formerly unenrolled, have joined the red team.

Republicans See Opportunity in Massachusetts

The news was music to the ears of Massachusetts Republican Party Chair Amy Carnevale: "The Republican Party is growing because voters are looking for leaders who will put affordability, public safety, and accountability first," she said.

The Massachusetts Republican Party website says, "Massachusetts voters who felt left behind by Democratic leadership are not alone."

Democratic Dominance in Massachusetts Politics

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll are Democrats. All of the statewide officeholders – Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, and Attorney General – are Democrats, and the entire Congressional delegation is Democratic.

The Massachusetts Legislature has a large veto-proof supermajority of Democrats.

Why the Councilors Became Republicans

"I've always been a registered independent and have considered myself a conservative," Oliver told me. "As I've become more involved in politics, it's become clear that the Democratic Party has left many people behind."

Oliver said the Democrats have "held control in this state for decades, and the results speak for themselves."

"If we're going to see any real change, it must come from the Republican Party, and if we are being honest, if you are unenrolled, you are ultimately underrepresented," Oliver said.

Choquette recalled joining the Democratic Party in 2011, attending meetings with Mayor Rosemary Tierney. The party was more diverse then.

"The meetings were full of the entire spectrum: progressives, moderates, centrists. I was a centrist Democrat, meaning a fiscally conservative social liberal," Choquette said. "Now in 2026, there is no more Democratic Party."

Choquette said to be a Democrat, "You are either a progressive, or if not, you become marginalized to the point that you no longer matter."

"I refuse to be bullied by extreme elements. I walked away while I still had my pride. I had to find my own way," he said.