Politics

New Bedford State of the City highlights $18M budget gap, rising costs, road repairs, housing growth and education initiatives.

New Bedford Councilor Shawn Oliver announces lieutenant governor run, joining GOP ticket, citing affordability, leadership, and statewide campaign goals.

UMass Dartmouth’s Ken Manning says the SAVE Act faces long Senate odds as the voter ID bill raises constitutional and political concerns.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell will deliver the State of the City at the newly restored Zeiterion, with proceeds supporting the United Way Hunger Commission and regional food insecurity efforts.

Bridgewater State students along the South Coast Rail line may soon receive discounted MBTA fares under a pilot program championed by Sen. Mark Montigny.

Former Massachusetts Senate leader William “Biff” MacLean of Fairhaven has died at 91 after a 30-plus-year career in the state legislature.

New Bedford City Council President Ryan Pereira released 2026 committee assignments, shrinking many panels, creating a new committee, and renaming another for efficiency.

Former New Bedford City Councilor Brad Markey was recently selected to fill a vacancy on the School Committee, thanks to some major behind-the-scenes political dealing.

Christopher Markey says he won’t seek re-election and is expected to announce a run for Bristol County District Attorney following Thomas Quinn III’s decision to step down.

Two New Bedford City Councilors have joined the Republican Party, marking a rare political shift in a city and state dominated by Democrats.