A Republican Massachusetts lieutenant governor hopeful allegedly overturned his car during a drunken crash - leading to his own running mate demanding he bow out of the race.  

Shawn Oliver, 42, was arrested after a Saturday night crash left him in hospital. The crash damaged several other cars in New Bedford, a historic coastal city in Bristol County. 

The city councilor is charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation and speeding, New Bedford police said. 

Oliver's car was found overturned after it struck five parked vehicles near a shopping plaza on Dartmouth Street at around 11.40pm, NBC News reported. 

The candidate was rushed to hospital before he was later arrested. 

Following the crash, Oliver's running mate, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue, said he was 'extremely disappointed' by the incident. 

'Shawn is lucky to be alive and lucky that no one innocent was hurt. There is no excuse for driving under the influence,' Minogue wrote on X. 

'After speaking with Shawn, I am asking him to suspend his campaign immediately, and when elected, I will formally ask for his resignation.' 

'Shawn is a father and grandfather, and he needs to put his family first. He needs to do the work to ensure this never happens again. If he needs help with that, I will help him.'

Minogue added that, 'as governor,' he would put the Commonwealth first and 'that starts with accountability,' something he claimed had not been seen from his opposition Maura Healey. 

Oliver was campaigning with Minogue for the spot against current Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Governor Healey. 

The candidate was released from custody at around 9.30am on Sunday after he was booked into the Ash Street Jail just before 7am, Mass Live reported. 

According to the Boston Herald, Oliver's wife Emerald declined to comment but said her husband was 'very hurt' over the events. 

New Bedford's mayor, Jon Mitchell, described the allegations against Oliver as 'deeply concerning' in a statement to NBC News. 

'The public deserves to hear his explanation of what happened,' Mitchell added. 

On his campaign website, Oliver said he was 'deeply influenced by his father, who loved New Bedford and once ran for City Council' because he 'believed strongly in giving back to the city that had given him so much.'

'Though his father has since passed, that example of civic responsibility left a lasting impact on him,' the site said.

Another influence on his decision to campaign was his uncle, Joseph Oliver, according to his campaign site. 

His uncle was said to have 'embodied the spirit of leadership through his service in New Bedford Public Schools.'

'With a simple but powerful message that stayed with Shawn throughout his life: “The choices you make today shape your world tomorrow.” Inspired by their example, Shawn decided to give back to his city,' the site read. 

'Shawn approaches every decision with a focus on common sense solutions, fiscal responsibility, and accountability to taxpayers. He believes good government starts with listening, and he works to ensure that the voices of everyday residents, the families, workers, and small business owners who keep the city running, are heard and respected.'

Minogue's mission focuses largely on affordability, accountability and community safety, according to his campaign site. 

The Daily Mail reached out to Oliver, Minogue and New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell for comment.