Steve Kerrigan, chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, was arrested on June 13, 2026, during a traffic stop in Southborough, Massachusetts, on charges of operating under the influence (OUI). Court records show that Kerrigan's breathalyzer test registered a blood alcohol content of 0.089, just above the state's legal limit of 0.08%. The Southborough Police Department reported that Kerrigan was stopped shortly after midnight after an officer observed his BMW traveling on or over the lane divider.

Two days later, on June 15, a judge at Westborough District Court continued the OUI charge without a finding after Kerrigan entered an "admission to sufficient facts," a legal disposition acknowledging that prosecutors have enough evidence to obtain a conviction. Kerrigan, 54, also faced a negligent operation charge and a marked lanes violation; the negligent operation charge was dismissed, and he was found not responsible for the marked lanes violation.

The judge sentenced Kerrigan to one year of probation, suspended his driver's license for 45 days, ordered him to pay $600 in fees, and required him to complete an impaired driving education program.

Kerrigan publicly acknowledged the incident, stating, "In June, I was pulled over for a marked lanes violation and blew a .089 on the breathalyzer." He expressed regret and took full responsibility for his actions, adding, "I regret and take full responsibility for my actions and their consequences and appreciate the Southborough Police Department and the Westborough Court for their professionalism and service."

According to the police report, Kerrigan's speech was slow and slurred, though the officer could not detect the smell of alcohol due to unspecified circumstances.

Steve Kerrigan has been a prominent figure in Massachusetts politics, recently speaking at the Democratic Party convention in Worcester on May 30, 2026.

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