Overview

• Republican gubernatorial hopefuls Mike Kennealy and Brian Shortsleeve say they would keep the current flag and motto, promoting their stance on X and urging supporters to weigh in.
• The Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission named three finalists for each symbol on Aug. 28 and scheduled fall public hearings to gather feedback before issuing a recommendation.
• Governor Maura Healey’s office says she will review the panel’s proposal, and state law calls for the governor to submit legislation to codify any new flag, seal, and motto after a recommendation is filed.
• The current flag’s seal shows a Native American figure beneath a disembodied arm holding a sword, imagery Indigenous advocates have condemned and that helped spur the redesign effort.
• Opponents argue a change would waste money and create logistical burdens, while polling from UMass Amherst shows the public split, with the largest share neutral on replacing the symbols.