MassGOP Welcomes New Bedford City Councilor Leo Choquette

12.15.2025

 

BOSTON, MA — The Massachusetts Republican Party proudly welcomes New Bedford Ward 1 City Councilor Leo Choquette as he leaves the Democratic Party to join the Republican Party, becoming the second New Bedford city councilor this year to join the GOP ranks. Shawn Oliver, Ward 3 City Councilor, switched his registration from unenrolled, to Republican, in August of this year.

 

Massachusetts voters who feel left behind by Democratic leadership are not alone.

 

“The Republican Party is growing because voters are looking for leaders who will put affordability, public safety, and accountability first,” said Massachusetts Republican Party Chair Amy Carnevale.

“I feel that joining the Massachusetts GOP will better allow me to address the day to day fiscal concerns of the average Ward 1 voter, whether Republican, Democrat, or Independent. The message of the GOP has always been one of fiscal responsibility, smaller government, and increased small business development. With economic development being one of the largest issues this city is facing, I believe I will be better suited to tackling these concerns as a member of the MassGOP.” said Choquette.

 

“As a longtime unenrolled voter with conservative values, I’ve always supported common sense candidates and initiatives,” said Oliver. “Yet for years, I’ve felt that my voice wasn’t truly being heard. It’s become clear to me that “unenrolled” too often means underrepresented. It’s time to make common sense common again.”

 

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