A company where Conan Harris, the husband of Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), is a partner, has been awarded a nearly $2 billion contract to build a new courthouse in Springfield, Massachusetts. The Liberty Junction team, which includes CoJo Real Estate (where Harris is a partner with John Barros), was selected in early July for a 40-year lease to construct the courthouse, following a competitive bidding process that began on June 30, 2025, when the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) released its request for proposals [1].
The contract award is now being challenged in court by unsuccessful bidders, who allege that conflicts of interest tainted the selection process. The plaintiffs focus on John Barros’ dual role as a partner in CoJo Real Estate and as interim executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA), noting that several MCCA board members also serve on the DCAMM board. The lawsuit claims Barros did not disclose his participation in the courthouse bidding process to the State Ethics Commission after becoming MCCA head on January 14, 2026, and that the Liberty Junction proposal was not updated to reflect his new position. Massachusetts law generally prohibits state employees from having a financial interest in state contracts unless proper disclosures are made and they do not participate in the contracting agency’s work [1].
While the lawsuit also mentions Harris as having 'deep conflicts,' its most detailed allegations center on Barros. Importantly, Rep. Pressley is not accused of any wrongdoing, and there is no evidence she was involved in the bidding process [1].
Governor Maura Healey defended the procurement, stating, 'This was a competitive procurement process. It was a competitive bid, and the project that was chosen was the one that cost the taxpayers the least.' Healey emphasized her commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars and supporting the project that minimizes costs. However, the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance has called for the Healey administration to pause the deal and release all relevant procurement records for public scrutiny [1].
CONCLUSION
The awarding of the nearly $2 billion courthouse contract to a team including Rep. Pressley's husband has sparked legal challenges over alleged conflicts of interest, particularly involving John Barros. While Governor Healey stands by the integrity of the process, calls for increased transparency and a pause on the deal highlight ongoing concerns and potential scrutiny of the procurement.