Mass. Democratic Party Chair Steve Kerrigan charged with drunk driving last month

Steve Kerrigan, chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, was charged with drunk driving after being stopped in Southborough last month, according to court documents.

Kerrigan filed a plea of ​​”admission of sufficient facts,” an admission that prosecutors would have enough evidence to convict him. His OUI charge continued without discovery while the negligent operation charge was dropped. He was found not responsible for the marked lanes violation.

Kerrigan lost his license for 45 days and was ordered to pay $600 in fees. He must also attend a disabled driving program.

According to a police report, Kerrigan was stopped shortly after midnight on June 13 while driving a BMW on Turnpike Road in Southboro. His car was seen driving in the middle of the two lanes, above a white dotted line on the road.

Kerrigan was alone in the car and told police he was returning home from a restaurant. The responding officer noted in his report that Kerrigan’s eyes appeared “glassy” and “red and bloodshot.” The officer was unable to detect the smell of alcohol due to the “overwhelming smell of cologne.” Kerrigan’s speech was slow and slurred, according to the report.

Kerrigan told the officer he had only had two beers at around 6pm that evening before going out to dinner. He performed field sobriety tests and, just before 1 a.m., blew a .089 on a breathalyzer test, according to the report. This is slightly above the legal limit.

A Massachusetts Democratic Party spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Kerrigan acknowledged the incident in a statement provided to Boston.com through his attorney, Andrea Levy.

“In June, I was pulled over for a marked lanes violation and blew .089 on a breathalyzer. I am remorseful and take full responsibility for my actions and their consequences and appreciate the Southboro Police Department and Westboro Courthouse for their professionalism and service,” Kerrigan said.

Kerrigan was elected to lead the state party in 2023. He is a former gubernatorial candidate and served as an executive director of the Democratic National Convention Committee. Kerrigan is also president and CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Center for Community Health.