MASSGOP ON THE MOVE
HQ to Boston, debts being paid off
Massachusetts GOP Chair Amy Carnevale touted yesterday a “huge” fundraising boost cutting into the party’s debts, electoral victories and a new move into Boston heading into the presidential election year.
“As of tomorrow, we’ll have two wins under our belts, in terms of seats in special elections,” Carnevale said, referring to Republican Sen. Peter Durant flipping a Worcester seat in 2023 andtoday’s primary race comprised of only Republicans for the same seat. “Combined with strong fundraising and our momentum, the party is ready to move forward in a cohesive way. I just think the momentum is there.”
Carnevale replaced embattled former Chair Jim Lyons just over a year ago.
The party announced yesterday it would move its headquarters back to Merrimac Street in Boston. The headquarters was located at 85 Merrimac Street for years before it was moved out to Woburn in 2019.
“I thought it was important for when the two major political parties in the state to be located in the state capital close to our legislators,” said Carnevale, noting support wasn’t unanimous but was strong among many active people in campaigns.
The MassGOP release said the central location will make connecting with legislators, potential volunteers and interns, and media easier. Carnevale also noted the accessibility of the spot, located near the North Station.
The party also raised $770,000 in the last year, Carnevale said, a “huge number.” She cited “a lot of hard work” and messaging around the need for two parties represented in government for the fundraising turnaround.
The MassGOP was over $600,000 in debt at the start of 2023, which led to questioning about “campaign finance irregularities, the Diehl gubernatorial campaign and other factors.
They’ve paid down $200,000 of that inherited debt and lowered expenses, Carnevale said, noting she’d worked without pay in 2023.
The party is now working with contractor Red Curve to oversee financial compliance and reporting and working through fines, the Chair said, after the Office of Campaign and Political Finance uncovered $300,000 in misreporting from 2022.
The election of Sen. Durant also marks a positive turn for the party, Carnevale said, noting it was the first flipped Senate seat in seven years.
The Chair noted opportunity for Republicans to make an impact with messaging on the ongoing migrant crisis in the state, the economy and state budget this year. The party will be looking to hold onto incumbent seats, Carnevale said, but also target some opportunities for Republican challengers, including the senate seat vacated by Sen. Susan Moran.
“Presidential election years are always more difficult for Republicans, and 2024 will be no exception but we are right on the policies and momentum is on our side,” said Carnevale.