Mayor Garcia settles finance violation for $1,000 fine

June 13, 2026 - 08:51

Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia has agreed to pay a $1,000 fine to settle a campaign finance violation, according to state records. The penalty stems from his campaign's failure to submit required spending reports on time.

The Office of Campaign and Political Finance announced the settlement this week, noting that the late filings covered several reporting periods. Garcia's campaign committee missed deadlines for both pre-election and post-election reports, which are mandatory under Massachusetts law. The reports detail contributions received and expenditures made during the campaign cycle.

In the settlement agreement, Garcia acknowledged the oversight but stated it was unintentional. He attributed the delays to administrative errors and a misunderstanding of the filing schedule. The fine is considered a civil penalty, not a criminal matter, and Garcia has already paid the amount in full.

This is the first known finance violation for Garcia, who took office in 2022. His campaign has since corrected the filings and implemented new procedures to ensure future compliance. The OCPF confirmed that no further action is required as long as Garcia adheres to reporting rules going forward.

The case highlights the importance of timely financial disclosures in local politics. While the fine is relatively small, it serves as a reminder that all candidates must follow state election laws, regardless of office.