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Fewer than half of Massachusetts residents approve of Governor Maura Healey, and more people polled think she “does not deserve to be re-elected” than do, according to a new survey from University of New Hampshire.
Researchers polled 907 Massachusetts residents, a majority of whom are registered as unenrolled voters, according to the poll’s methodology.
The poll showed that 49 percent of residents approve of Healey’s performance, while 45 percent don’t. That approval rating is down from 54 percent earlier this year, but up from a low of 42 percent in November.
A spokesperson for Healey deferred to the Massachusetts Democratic Party, which categorized the UNH poll as an “outlier.”
“Governor Healey will be re-elected because she is focused on the issues that matter most to voters in Massachusetts, lowering the cost of living, building more housing, improving transportation and education, and standing up to Donald Trump,” said MassDems Chair Steve Kerrigan. “What is undeniable is that Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly reject Donald Trump and his disastrous agenda.”
The poll also showed just one-third of voters approve of President Donald Trump, his handling of the economy, and his handling of foreign affairs. A majority of people polled also thought that Trump accepting the plane from Qatar was “inappropriate” and the U.S. isn’t supporting Ukraine enough.
Healey is facing two Republican challengers: Brian Shortsleeve, the former head of the MBTA, and Mike Kennealy, a Lexington Republican who served in former Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration.
Both candidates reacted to news of the polling numbers on X, with Shortsleeve writing “her numbers are devastating. Do you think it is the migrant crisis, utility bills, or out of control spending?”
MassGOP emailed supporters with one overall message: “Healey is “beatable” in 2026,” Executive Director John Milligan said.
“The UNH poll confirms what we all knew: Maura Healey is vulnerable and she does not deserve to be reelected. I am the only candidate who can defeat Maura Healey. Massachusetts is ready for change and I’m ready to deliver,” Kennealy said on X.
MassDems pointed to a University of Massachusetts poll from February that shows that Healey “maintains support” and a Democratic Governors Association that shows record high ratings in May.
“Try as they might, Mike Kennealy and Brian Shortsleeve cannot hide from their support for Trump’s policies,” Kerrigan said. “Voters will reject their brand of failed MAGA Republican politics.”
Twenty-one percent of the respondents named the most important problem facing the state as housing, with 12 percent mentioning immigration and cost of living, according to UNH’s poll. The poll also showed that more than half of residents are also concerned about Sen. Ed Markey’s age. The senator is running for reelection next year at age 79.
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Fire broke out at an apartment building in North Attleborough, Massachusetts, on Monday afternoon, sending a column of smoke high into the air.
NBC affiliate WJAR-TV reports the smoke was visible from miles away from the building on Juniper Road.
More details were not immediately available.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Life Care Center of Raynham has received a deficiency‑free inspection result from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, a distinction awarded to a small share of the state’s licensed nursing homes, according to a community announcement.
The inspection was conducted as part of the state’s routine, unannounced nursing home survey process overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. These comprehensive, multi‑day inspections evaluate multiple aspects of facility operations, including staffing levels, quality of care, medication management, cleanliness, food service and resident rights.
State survey records show that Life Care Center of Raynham met required standards during its most recent standard survey, with no deficiencies cited, based on publicly available state data.
The announcement states that fewer than 8% of Massachusetts nursing homes achieve deficiency‑free survey results. That figure could not be independently verified through state or federal data and is attributed to the announcement.
In addition to the state survey outcome, the facility is listed as a five‑star provider for quality measures on the federal Medicare Care Compare website. The five‑star quality measure rating reflects above‑average performance compared with other nursing homes nationwide, according to federal rating methodology.
Officials said the inspection results reflect ongoing compliance with state and federal standards designed to protect resident health and safety. According to the announcement, the outcome is attributed to staff performance and internal quality practices.
This story was created by Dave DeMille, ddemille@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
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