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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2026 |
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An Update on the Race
When Republican delegates from across Massachusetts endorsed me for Lieutenant Governor, they placed their confidence in a campaign focused on bringing new leadership and fresh ideas to our Commonwealth. I will always be grateful to the delegates, volunteers, donors, and grassroots supporters who stood with me throughout this campaign.
When I entered this race, I believed Massachusetts had a secure election system. After experiencing the ballot access process firsthand and meeting with Republican activists, Democrats, independents, and town clerks across the Commonwealth, I have come to a different conclusion.
Our ballot access process has serious weaknesses that can be manipulated by bad actors. Election integrity does not begin on Election Day. It begins with the process that determines who appears on the ballot.
Today’s ballot access system has become a multi-million-dollar industry. When outside firms are rewarded for collecting signatures as quickly as possible, incentives can become misaligned. If our laws allow bad actors to exploit weaknesses in the process, then those laws need to be strengthened.
This is not about one campaign or one political party. It is about restoring confidence in our institutions.
Throughout this campaign, I met with town clerks, including many Democrats, who take tremendous pride in administering our elections. Many shared their belief that the current system has room for improvement. They are dedicated public servants, and they deserve better tools and stronger laws to protect the integrity of the process.
This experience has changed my perspective.
I entered this race believing I could make the greatest difference as Lieutenant Governor.
Today, I believe that fight belongs in a different office.
I have decided to withdraw from the race for Lieutenant Governor and seek the Republican nomination for Secretary of State.
To appear on the November ballot, I must receive at least 5,000 write-in votes in the Republican primary.
I am running because I believe Massachusetts deserves a Secretary of State who will strengthen election integrity, improve transparency, modernize government, and restore confidence in our public institutions.
I will work to improve public records access, make state government more transparent and accountable, modernize the Corporations Division, make it easier to start and grow a business in Massachusetts, and work with the Legislature and the next Governor to reduce unnecessary costs and barriers facing entrepreneurs and small businesses.
I am not running against Democrats. I am not running against Republicans.
I am running to strengthen our institutions, restore public trust, and prevent election fraud, no matter who commits it.
This campaign is about more than one office or one election.
It is about ensuring every Massachusetts voter can have confidence in the institutions that serve them.
I hope the people of Massachusetts will join me in that effort.
Anne Brensley
Republican Convention-Endorsed Candidate for Lieutenant Governor
Candidate for Secretary of State |
