GOP mega-donor Michael Minogue pours $1.5 million into his own Mass. gubernatorial campaign

Michael Minogue, a wealthy former biotechnology executive, poured $1.5 million of his own money into his campaign for governor and raised more than $373,000 from individual donors during his first month in the race, according to state records and his spokesperson.

The South Hamilton resident’s personal contribution and willingness to spend large sums on political consultants and advertising far outpaced his Republican opponents in the month of October. Minogue’s haul is still well behind Democratic Gov. Maura Healey’s $4.4 million campaign war chest.

“The campaign’s strong fundraising and statewide momentum reflect the excitement around Minogue’s candidacy and his record of service as an Army Ranger, business leader and father of five who believes public service should be about results, not politics,” his campaign said in a statement to WBUR.

Minogue's one-month haul of $1.8 million in October almost matches what Mike Kennealy, a former housing and economic development secretary, raised and loaned himself since entering the race in April.

Kennealy gave his campaign $1.4 million and raised another roughly $529,000 from supporters over the last seven months, according to state records.

Brian Shortsleeve, a venture capitalist who ran the MBTA under former Gov. Charlie Baker, has raised just over $1 million since announcing his candidacy in May.

Minogue, a first-time candidate for statewide office and major donor to President Trump, was chief executive of Abiomed Inc. in Danvers before selling the heart-pump maker to Johnson & Johnson in 2022. After announcing his candidacy for governor last month, Minogue quickly kicked off efforts to start building his name recognition.

He spent $1.3 million in October, according to campaign finance records. Nearly all of that went to Ax Media, a company that handles political advertisements. Ax Media’s clients include the National Republican Congressional Committee and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican.

Minogue also spent $120,000 with Poolhouse, a consulting agency founded by two former aides to Mitt Romney’s unsuccessful presidential bids, according to state records.

Days after jumping into the race, Minogue announced a “six-figure” ad buy to air 60-second spots in the Boston media market during NBC’s “Sunday Night Football.” Details of the spending are unavailable because federal ad records are not accessible during the government shutdown.

Minogue said during a radio interview last month he would match any donation given to his campaign, and his spokesperson confirmed the candidate did so last month.

All three Republicans looking to challenge Healey next year face an uphill battle.

Healey raised nearly $419,000 last month and spent $60,000, according to state records. A spokesperson for Healey's campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

“Mike Minogue cuts himself big checks just like he did for his MAGA buddies Donald Trump and JD Vance, while others barely raised anything at all — it’s no wonder they are all struggling,” Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Steve Kerrigan said in a statement.

Kennealy, the former Baker cabinet secretary, raised more than $276,000 last month, largely thanks to a $200,000 loan he gave his campaign; he has pledged to seed his bid with $2 million from his personal wealth. He spent over $123,000 in October.

Logan Trupiano, a spokesperson for Kennealy, said the Lexington Republican had “another great month” in October.

Kennealy “had poll results showing he is the best-positioned candidate to take on Maura Healey, and rolled out key endorsements. Momentum for Mike is continuing the build as we head into the final 365 days before we defeat Maura Healey,” Trupiano said in a statement.

Shortsleeve raised over $142,000 in October and spent $87,030, according to campaign finance records.

In a press release Tuesday, Shortsleeve touted his fundraising over Kennealy but did not mention Minogue.

“As we have seen in many past races, you can’t buy genuine support. You have to earn it. I’m proud that our campaign is powered by people. Every dollar we raise comes from individuals who believe in accountability, fiscal responsibility, and honest leadership,” he said.