Daring to Run: A Republican Hopes to Unseat Andrea Campbell

Republican attorney Michael Walsh is taking a swing at statewide office. Walsh, who claims to be the youngest graduate in Suffolk University history, earning his bachelor’s degree at 17 and his Juris Doctor at 21. has practiced law in Massachusetts for 15 years. The Lynnfield lawyer has organized a committee to run for attorney general, setting up a potential bid against incumbent Andrea Campbell. 

Walsh's legal career spans nearly every forum in the Commonwealth, including Land Court, criminal courts, military courts-martial, the Civil Service Commission, the Labor Relations Commission, and multiple administrative agencies.. 

Walsh has also built a practice around election and public corruption cases brought by fellow Republicans. Walsh has been in the thick of the ongoing dispute over the 2024 voter-approved law granting the state auditor authority to audit the Legislature. This month, Walsh agreed to represent U.S. Senate Republican candidate John Deaton in a separate action seeking to compel compliance with an audit.

Republicans and Auditor DiZoglio have pointed to Campbell’s office as an obstacle to getting the question before a court, arguing the attorney general has blocked access to judicial review. He is known statewide for helping towns defend against the state overriding local laws to build more high-density apartments under the "MBTA Law."

A few years ago, he unsuccessfully represented MassGOP Chair Jim Lyons and others in their challenge to mail-in voting.

- Sam Drysdale with additional reporting by Franklin Observer.