State Sen. Peter Durant is mulling a Republican bid for governor in 2026, setting the stage for a potentially crowded primary field as the GOP looks to challenge Democratic Gov. Maura Healey. Durant,

Sen. Peter Durant, a Spencer Republican, said he is considering running for governor in 2026, adding to the field of conservatives who believe Gov. Maura Healey is a vulnerable candidate should she decide to run for a second term.

A Republican state senator who has emerged as a top critic of the state’s handling of the migrant shelter crisis is considering a run for governor. Sen. Peter Durant of Spencer told WBUR he thinks the party could win back the governorship in 2026 — and he wants to determine whether he’s the best candidate.