Judge Karp Reinstates Republican AG Candidate Amid Signature-Fraud Claims

On July 10, 2026, Essex Superior Court Judge Jeffrey T. Karp vacated the State Ballot Law Commission’s (SBLC) decision that had removed Republican attorney-general hopeful Michael Walsh from the September primary ballot. Karp ruled that Democratic Party Executive Director Adam Roof’s objection to Walsh’s nomination signatures failed to meet Massachusetts law because it was not sent by registered or certified mail. The judge concluded the SBLC therefore lacked jurisdiction to consider the challenge, despite “substantial evidence” of forged signatures. In a related order, Karp upheld the commission’s earlier ruling barring lieutenant-governor candidate Anne Manning Martin, whose objections complied with mailing requirements.

Boston GlobeAG candidate back on ballot after judge faults process, despite fraud evidence

The controversy centers on paid signature gatherer Joe Bronske, who was hired by Walsh, Manning Martin and Wayland Republican Anne Brensley. Court filings allege Bronske forged signatures, including those of deceased voters, and submitted them in identical order for multiple candidates. A dozen individuals interviewed by the Boston Globe said they never signed the nomination papers. District attorneys in Norfolk and Plymouth counties have opened investigations into the alleged systematic fraud.

Boston GlobeAG candidate back on ballot after judge faults process, despite fraud evidence

Walsh denounced the SBLC, claiming the Democratic Party “thought they could pick the Republican nominee” and asserting that “the voters won.” Secretary of State William Galvin’s office asked the court to issue a final decision by July 14 so ballots could be prepared for overseas and military voters by July 18; spokesperson Deb O’Malley said the office had not decided whether to pursue further legal action. Republican gubernatorial candidate Shawn Oliver and running mate Brian Shortsleeve called election integrity “essential to confidence in our democracy.”

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Jack Corrigan, representing Roof, warned that a “clerical error in mailing should not be more important than … forgeries.” Mary-Ellen Manning, sister and lawyer for Anne Manning Martin, emphasized that the SBLC must operate strictly within its statutory authority. The ongoing investigations underscore concerns that procedural rulings may allow candidates with fraudulent signatures to appear on the ballot.

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• “This matter has brought this court to the intersection of serious, credible allegations of voter signature fraud and the rule of law,” — Judge Jeffrey T. Karp

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• “The Democrats and their friends on this unelected board thought they could pick the Republican nominee for the voters,” — Michael Walsh

Boston Globe

• “If this decision stands, the Republican candidate for attorney general will qualify for the ballot despite, as the judge observed, overwhelming evidence of signature fraud,” — Jack Corrigan

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• “The court’s decision today reconfirms that submitting fraudulent signatures to illegitimately obtain ballot access is a gross violation of the law and compromises the integrity of our elections,” — Shawn Oliver & Brian Shortsleeve

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• “Elections are decided at the ballot box not by politicians and appointed bureaucrats. They lost. The voters won. And now we have an election to win,” — Michael Walsh

AG candidate back on ballot after judge faults process, despite fraud evidence