Here’s a reminder that a victory in politics, like so much in life, is largely in the eye of the beholder.

Need proof? Just ask Mike Kennealy and Brian Shortsleeve, the two former Baker administration officials who are vying for the Republican nomination for governor in 2026.

The two hopefuls met for their first debate of the still-young campaign season last Friday, where they spent about an hour trading jabs on their respective bona fides for the Corner Office.

They covered ground that included the ongoing high cost of the state’s emergency shelter system and the state’s MBTA Communities Law, according to The Boston Herald .

And who won when all was said and done?

They both did, of course.

Kennealy, who served as Gov. Charlie Baker’s housing and economic development czar, was firs

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