Most voters now know that incumbent Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, a Democrat, faces a general election challenge from Republican Mike Minogue. However, a third gubernatorial candidate will also appear on the November 3 ballot, and you’ve probably never heard of her.
Andrea James is running as an Independent, had no primary election opponent, and has received virtually no media coverage.
Born and raised in Boston, the 61-year-old former Democrat left the party in 2026 to run for governor as an Independent.
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A Background in Criminal Justice Reform
A human rights activist and former attorney, James has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Boston and a Juris Doctor degree from Northeastern University. She was disbarred and sentenced to two years in prison in 2009 for wire fraud.
Advocating for Incarcerated Women
Upon her release from jail, James founded and served as executive director of Families for Justice as Healing, which advocated for criminal justice reform. Her work on behalf of incarcerated women led to a meeting with President Barack Obama…