Organizers have suspended efforts to host a pre-convention debate after communications with the Mike Minogue campaign broke down according to correspondence obtained exclusively by 24Beacon.

All three Republican candidates for governor had expressed initial interest in participating according to organizer emails.

“My initial objective was to hold this debate no later than mid-March, ahead of the Massachusetts Republican Convention scheduled for late April. This timing was intended to provide voters and convention delegates with a clearer understanding of where each candidate stands before making critical decisions at the convention,” organizer and New Bedford City Councilor Shawn Oliver wrote Monday.

In December Minogue ruled out a "any time, any place" debate challenge issued by rivals Mike Keneally and Brian Shortsleeve.

“Yes! Look forward to debating,” John Milligan of the Minogue campaign said this evening, “We have until February 28 to get these delegates elected to go to the convention. Anyone who’s pitching this garbage story is deflecting because they are not organized and losing every caucus.”

The Bristol County focused debate would have elevated “South Coast issues and ensure they were part of the dialogue as Massachusetts voters consider the future leadership of the Commonwealth.”

Yet despite Minogue’s public stance in December, behind the scenes a three way debate appeared possible, “I’m pleased to share that I have now heard back from all three campaigns, which is great news. I’ve received initial availability from each,” Oliver wrote December 19th.

Oliver confirmed to 24Beacon tonight that efforts to pro-actively solicit participation had in fact been suspended, but that the invitation had not been rescinded, “If all three candidates ultimately wish to proceed, I remain willing to put on and host a debate.”

Town and ward committees have until February 28 to select delegates to the 2026 GOP convention scheduled for April in Worcester. Hopefuls must receive at least 15% of voting delegates to advance out of the convention.