Mass. GOP settles campaign finance allegations with the state

The state's Republican Party has agreed to a settlement with the state over alleged campaign finance violations, according to a statement from the party.

The Massachusetts GOP will pay $15,000 to the state as part of the agreement.

The settlement comes after an investigation into unlawful campaign donations in 2020. State regulators concluded in 2021 that they found evidence of campaign finance violations involving local Republican politicians, including state Sen. Ryan Fattman; his wife Stephanie Fattman, who was the Worcester register of probate; and Republican State Committee Chair James Lyons. The regulators referred the case to the attorney general's office.

In a statement, the Massachusetts Republican Party said it "admits no liability relating to allegations that the MassGOP received impermissible contributions."

The party chair, Amy Carnevale, said in a statement that she inherited a party that was under investigation and involved in many lawsuits. She replaced Lyons this past February.

"This week’s settlement, and the earlier resolution of four inherited lawsuits, allows the party to focus on the future," she said.