Peabody City Councilor Launches Republican Lt. Governor Bid

PEABODY, MA — Nineteen-year Peabody City Council veteran Anne Manning-Martin launched her bid for lieutenant governor as part of a ticket with Republican challenger Mike Kennealy this week.

"I've spent decades on the front lines in Peabody — enforcing the law, protecting taxpayers, and standing up to Beacon Hill," Manning-Martin said. "Massachusetts deserves leaders who don't back down.

"I'm proud to join Mike because he's the one candidate who can defeat Maura Healey, lower costs, and backs law enforcement without hesitation."

Manning-Martin, who also served on the Peabody School Committee for eight years, has a background in criminal justice and ran an unsuccessful campaign for Governor's Council in 2024, said she will be the "fiscal guardrail that taxpayers can count on" on Beacon Hill.

"Right now, Massachusetts taxpayers are paying the price for Beacon Hill's bad decisions," she said in her announcement.

She touted he accessibility as a City Council, compared to what she was the propensity of Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll to make decisions "behind closed doors."

Kennealy said Manning-Martin will bring "common sense, accountability and integrity" to the ticket.

"Your constituents are lucky to have you," Kennealy said. "I'm proud to have you by my side, and the entire Commonwealth will be in good hands as we work together.

"Anne is a fiscal watchdog, a fierce advocate for local control, and a relentless defender of public safety. ... I look forward to campaigning, and governing, alongside her in the Corner Office."