There’s still time to make a decision in what may be Islanders’ most consequential vote in the primary elections.
The Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office is headed to a showdown in the Democratic primary between incumbent Rob Galibois, elected in 2022, and challenger Michael Giardino. Without any Republicans running for the seat, whoever wins the primary will be the presumptive winner, pending the final results of the state election in November.
Early voting is underway, and primary election day is Sept. 1.
The District Attorney’s Office has an important role in the regional courts, from representing the Commonwealth in serious crimes to helping initiate programs to support vulnerable populations, like children.
If you’re still on the fence on whom you should vote for, here are some of the answers Galibois and Giardino provided to The Times on issues pertaining to the region and the Island. Their answers were edited for style and clarity.
MVT: Please introduce yourself (age, occupation, town, background).
Galibois: My name is Rob Galibois, and I live in Barnstable with [my] wife Nikki, who is the chief executive officer of South Shore Community Action Council, an antipoverty agency. We have two sons: Max, who is in graduate school at Boston College, earning a master’s in mental health counseling, and Cam, who recently graduated from Duke University with a degree in mechanical engineering. I began practicing law in 1995, and I worked in the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office as prosecutor for five years — including on Martha’s Vineyard. I then entered private practice, where I represented individuals charged with crimes ranging from misdemeanors to major felonies, including 15 homicide cases. My practice took me across the entire commonwealth and several states.
Giardino: Mike Giardino, [Plymouth] assistant district attorney, Yarmouth. I am a lifelong Cape Codder, growing up in Yarmouth and graduating from Dennis-Yarmouth High School. I went to Suffolk Law, and came back and was a prosecutor on the Cape starting in 2012 before moving to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office in 2024.
MVT: Why are you the best candidate for the next Cape and Islands District Attorney? What are your priorities in office for the Cape and islands, specifically for Martha’s Vineyard?
Galibois: In 2022, I was elected the first Democrat district attorney for the Cape and islands after a nearly 50-year streak of exclusive Republican control of the office. When I entered the office, I witnessed deep complacency that settled into the office. Inside the office, the HR director position was vacant for nearly two years. The office employs approximately 65 people. We hired an HR director, who established an annual performance review process for the office — this was a first. We raised the bar to work at the office. We are funded by taxpayers, and I felt it was necessary to hold all of our employees accountable by reviewing their work performance. In regard to Martha’s Vineyard specifically, I promised the electorate in ’22 that I would hire an M.V. resident to staff our M.V. office, and I would make it a full-time position. I did. I also advocated for a Recovery Court Session, where those grappling with substance use disorders could be supported by the appropriate resources to enter sobriety and break away from the justice system. Presiding Justice [Benjamin C.] Barnes welcomed my advocacy, and worked with the trial court and area stakeholders to open the [Edgartown] Recovery Court in the spring of 2024. I also partnered with Children’s Cove and Martha’s Vineyard Community [Services] to create office space where child victims on M.V. could be forensically interviewed on M.V., avoiding the several-hours commute to the main office on the Cape.
Giardino: This campaign has been about the need for new leadership. Leadership matters, experience matters, and the truth matters. The current district attorney has left our District Attorney’s Office without the leadership, resources, and support that its employees need to be effective. This has been reflected by the shrinking in the Victims Witness Advocate positions across the Cape and islands. The Falmouth Enterprise and Provincetown Independent have both verified the cuts to staff and the increased case load. I have the experience of actually running units within the District Attorney’s Office, and know what it takes to get better outcomes for our communities.
Martha’s Vineyard is going to have issues unique to the Vineyard, given the populations that live there and being an island. That being said, I am the best candidate for the Vineyard because I will provide staffing resources for the Vineyard. We can assign Victims Witness staff who directly work on Vineyard issues. I will also commit resources that ensure Vineyarders can connect with our office without having to take a boat or wait for someone to connect to them.
Currently, the number of people assigned to serve Martha’s Vineyard is inadequate. There needs to be consistent staffing to ensure that we build our relationships and best serve Martha’s Vineyard.
MVT: On the Vineyard, various demographics face higher vulnerability to certain crimes, such as senior citizens to fraud, women to domestic abuse, and immigrants to labor trafficking. What initiatives or strategies do you plan to implement to mitigate these harms? Is there any situation you will prioritize if elected to office?
Galibois: As district attorney, I convened a summit in October 2025 to address the rampant elder fraud occurring throughout the district. I gathered the support of several local banks — including Martha’s Vineyard Bank — to sponsor the summit. Approximately 100 attendees and presenters, including local, state, and federal officers, convened to share experiences and best practices in investigations and promoting awareness. Regarding human trafficking (HT), the previous administration ignored grant-funding opportunities to address HT. I have secured approximately $250,000 during my first term to hold trainings across the district — including M.V. — to promote awareness among transportation and hospitality outfits, as well as investigative techniques with our law enforcement partners. We also conducted, for the first time by this office, a statewide human trafficking conference, where nearly 200 attendees heard from 38 expert presenters who arrived in this district from all over the country. We created a 1-800 telephone number, assigned the number to a QR code that we placed on magnets that were distributed throughout the district. Calls continue to lead to investigations. Human trafficking and elder fraud have been and will continue to be a high priority in my office.
Giardino: 1. Elder fraud is an issue that constantly plagues the Cape. The best way to prevent fraud is to be active in our elder community, discussing the ways fraud is committed, preventing crime before it can be committed. I will work with elder service providers, law enforcement, and local towns on holding town halls on elder fraud and abuse and how to report it. I will also make sure the office provides, in multiple languages, ways to report abuse to us so we can take appropriate actions against those who commit elder fraud and abuse.
2. Domestic abuse is an awful crime, and I will dedicate resources not only to prosecution but prevention and protection. This will require working with law enforcement, nonprofits, schools, and other government agencies to make sure domestic abuse survivors have information available to them to report the abuse and be protected. Working with schools, we can ensure that young men are educated on what abuse is, and how they can take responsibility to stop it, and give young women the tools to report abuse.
3. Trafficking is an abhorrent crime that takes away the dignity of those who are trafficked. I will continue to improve our trafficking unit, and create a work group with local law enforcement, the Massachusetts State Police, and other state police agencies to see how we can coordinate investigations and prosecutions.
MVT: Massachusetts has implemented measures to deter ICE conduct, including banning ICE from making warrantless arrests in locations like courthouses and schools. The Vineyard is a community with immigrants from various countries. Where do you stand regarding the state’s measures? Are there any initiatives you plan to implement to either deter or support ICE arrests in the region?
Galibois: On Jan. 28, 2026 — days after the second homicide in Minnesota — I announced that should an incident occur in this district where I felt a state crime was committed, I would work with our police departments and the Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to my office to collect the evidence, protect the evidence, and proceed with the evidence. A federal agent has the right to transfer a state prosecution to federal court. So, to be ready in case something happens, I directed my first assistant district attorney, my chief of appeals, and a major felony assistant district attorney in my office to be sworn into the Federal Bar. I am already a member of the Federal Bar. We are ready to investigate and prosecute if necessary. My office is committed to protect our immigrant neighbors. The previous Republican administration — in which my opponent indicates he had a leadership role — approved 20 U visa applications in its last four years (U visas are granted to immigrants who are victims of a crime and co-operate with prosecution efforts). To date, my office has approved 50 applications. This significant difference illustrates my commitment to work with our immigrant population.
Giardino: The state is doing the right thing to deter ICE conduct. Sadly, the president seems to disregard the rights of the people for political expediency. It is important that our community does not make things worse for immigrant communities who are afraid of the lawless actions of the president. I know how hard these communities work; I have worked with them from a young age at my family’s restaurant, and continue to work with them as an [assistant district attorney].
First, if an ICE agent commits an illegal act on the Cape and island[s], I promise a full investigation and prosecution if the evidence is there to prosecute. It is also important to disseminate information to immigrant communities, so they know their rights and resources in case of an ICE raid. As I said in my statement of values, due process is for all, and I will not waiver from that.
MVT: The Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office came under scrutiny last fall after a state audit in November. There was also a letter from former employees alleging mismanagement. Can you comment on your views of the local office, the overall workplace, and how you see management moving forward under your leadership?
Galibois: The audit included both the previous administration’s time in office and mine. The audit’s findings included that the previous administration mishandled a separation agreement with a former employee. The noted findings in two other categories applied to both the previous administration and mine. We created new policies that corrected the noted categories, and said new policies were subsequently reviewed and approved. Regarding the former employees, many of them worked for several terms under the previous administration and supported my Republican opponent in the ‘22 election. One of the signatories presently serves as my opponent’s campaign treasurer. As noted above, we addressed the complacency we observed when we entered the office by hiring an HR director and instituting policies to assure accountability for all employees. The action was necessary to change the culture of the office. To change a culture that settled into the office over a half a century took some time. We have built strong prosecution, victim-witness advocates, and community-engagement teams that serve all of the communities we represent.
Giardino: Sadly, I was not surprised by the concerns raised in that letter. More than 50 percent of the staff, including staff new to the office, [gone] in the first term. Some of the issues described are consistent with concerns I have experienced firsthand, and I have heard similar concerns from law enforcement officers and attorneys across the Cape and islands. After all, it’s why at least 35 people of a staff of 60 have left. To me, this underscores a fundamental point: Leadership matters. When an office lacks strong, accountable leadership, the effects are felt not only by employees but by victims, survivors, law enforcement partners, and the broader community.
I believe the first responsibility of a district attorney is to create a professional workplace where people are treated with dignity and respect, where concerns can be raised without fear, and where leadership takes responsibility when problems arise. That doesn’t seem to currently exist. If elected, that is the approach I will bring.
I will work to establish regular equity and workplace assessments, identify opportunities for advancement, and make sure staff have meaningful opportunities to contribute to the direction of the office. I will also work with our partners in the State House to pursue additional funding so that we can fully staff the office and provide administrative staff and assistant district attorneys with compensation that allows them to build a career on the Cape and islands. Recruitment and retention are serious challenges when the cost of living is so high, and salaries are not keeping pace.
At the same time, moving forward means recognizing what the office is doing well. I would preserve and strengthen effective community outreach and communication programs while addressing the internal issues that have made it harder for the office to retain and attract talented people.
I believe that when we invest in treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation, we make the community safer.
My goal is to build an office that the Cape and Islands can be proud of — an office that is accountable, professional, collaborative, and focused first and foremost on serving victims, survivors, and the community.
MVT: While both you and your opponent have stated the duties of the District Attorney’s Office are nonpartisan, the expectations of constituents can change depending on the district attorney’s party affiliation. The amount of time each of you has been registered with the Democratic Party is different. Do you believe this should influence how voters cast their ballots in the Democratic primary?
Galibois: What matters more than the affiliation per se is who my opponent represents, and why he chose to affiliate as a Democrat after not having done so throughout the past decade of his life — while supporting Rs during that decade by pulling Republican ballots in both the 2016 and 2022 elections.
He is actively supported by those who worked for O’Keefe for multiple terms, and O’Keefe himself. (He has attended his fundraisers and supported his social media posts.) That’s the issue, not the party affiliation. Under my leadership, the DA’s office has proven that you can bring down opioid overdose deaths, support veterans through a newly created diversion program, successfully advocate for a mental health court, and get at the core issues of a lot of criminal activity, which reduces recidivism, the key to making our communities safer.
Giardino: I was enrolled as a Democrat until 2016, and switched to unenrolled to vote in local primaries in either party, while also voting for my longtime friend and colleague in 2022. I realize that in a party primary, people have questions, and rightfully so — anyone running for office should be scrutinized. In my statement of values I stated the following:
- Due process is for all.
- Immigrants are not to be blamed for our issues.
- Hate crimes will not be tolerated on the Cape and islands.
- Reproductive rights cannot be compromised.
When it comes to prosecutions — politics must not be a consideration. We can lead with empathy, we can lead with understanding, and if elected, we will lead with those principles in mind. Prosecutors, however, cannot worry about the political ramifications of trying a case — whether that is a police officer, wealthy business owner, or violent offender. When cases are approached with political implications in mind, someone in the system ends up being treated unfairly. It could be the prosecutor assigned to the case, the defense attorney tasked with representing the accused, the victim of the crime, or the defendant who is charged. That is not the way the system should work, and having done the work for my entire career, I will make sure that all prosecutions are professional, not political.
MVT: Local court officials have noted that the Vineyard has seen a higher number of indictments than ever since 2022. Do you agree, and if so, what factors do you believe contributed to this increase? Additionally, what priorities would you apply to the Island’s courts regarding local crimes and cases?
Galibois: We have pursued more grand jury investigations and presented more indictments because, in the words of Dukes County Superior Court Clerk George Davis (who has endorsed me), “Rob and his team are paying attention to what is going on in our communities and addressing it appropriately.” (NOTE: George Davis remains available to confirm, and knows I am offering this statement to The MV Times).
We are addressing the root causes of crime by participating in the newly created Recovery Court, providing easier access for child victims to be forensically interview[ed] on M.V., maintaining a local presence by employing an M.V. resident, and pursuing those who prey on vulnerable members of the Island community by indicting the perpetrators and seeking harsher sentences in superior court to elevate public safety for all.
Giardino: I would not be surprised to learn that the Vineyard has experienced an increase in indictments since 2022. There are several factors that could contribute to that increase, including office policies, an increase in drug trafficking and distribution, or an increase in violent crime. Additionally, certain charges fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the superior court, and must be presented to a grand jury and indicted in order to proceed as charged.
Ultimately, every case should be evaluated on its own merits. Our decisions should promote public safety, while ensuring that everyone who comes into the criminal justice system is treated fairly and equally.
One of my priorities in this campaign is improving leadership and ensuring that every employee of the District Attorney’s Office has the support, resources, and guidance they need to succeed. That commitment must extend equally to the employees who are responsible for serving the Vineyard. When we give our employees the tools and support they need to do their jobs effectively, we strengthen our ability to fulfill our mission of protecting public safety and serving our communities.
With respect to the cases that come before the Island’s courts, in most instances, we should work to identify and address the underlying causes of criminal behavior — whether that involves substance abuse, mental health issues, or poor judgment. Where appropriate, treatment, diversion, and other intervention programs can provide people with the services they need while reducing the likelihood that they will commit future crimes.
At the same time, we must recognize that not every case is appropriate for diversion. When dealing with violent offenders, repeat offenders, and those involved in drug trafficking, we must be prepared to hold offenders accountable and be tough on crime to protect victims and the community.
Our approach should be straightforward: Support our employees, treat every person fairly, address the root causes of crime when appropriate, and take strong action when public safety demands it.
Which one supports ICE?