Explore

USA Today USA Today
Age dominates Democratic primaries in Massachusetts: Updates and results

Age dominates Democratic primaries in Massachusetts: Updates and results

Rep. Seth Moulton is among a crop of younger Democrats who've sought to topple the old guard, but Sen. Ed Markey has leaned into his progressive record
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Senator Ed Markey Maintains Strong Lead in Massachusetts Democratic Primary Against Representative Seth Moulton

Senator Ed Markey Maintains Strong Lead in Massachusetts Democratic Primary Against Representative Seth Moulton

Senator Ed Markey, an 80-year-old Massachusetts Democrat, is significantly ahead in recent polls against his primary challenger, Representative Seth Moulton. Markey, who has served in Congress since 1976 and the Senate since 2013, is known for his progressive stance on issues such as climate change, clean energy, and consumer protection. Moulton, 47, has positioned himself as a candidate for generational change within the Democratic Party. Despite a national trend of younger challengers unseating older incumbents in Democratic primaries, Markey's strong progressive credentials and consistent support for transgender rights appear to resonate with Massachusetts voters. Polls from Emerson College, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Suffolk University all show Markey with a substantial lead, ranging from 15 to 31 points. This indicates that previously undecided voters have largely consolidated behind the incumbent senator.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Massachusetts Democratic Primary Pits Progressive Incumbent Markey Against Moderate Challenger Moulton

Massachusetts Democratic Primary Pits Progressive Incumbent Markey Against Moderate Challenger Moulton

Massachusetts is holding a state primary election where Democratic voters will decide between incumbent U.S. Senator Ed Markey and challenger U.S. Representative Seth Moulton. This contest highlights a recurring theme in Democratic primaries this year: the clash between the party's progressive and moderate wings, and between long-serving incumbents and younger challengers. Senator Markey, 80, is seeking his third full term and has garnered support from prominent progressives including U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Representative Moulton, 47, has received endorsements from The Boston Globe and several current and former Democratic House colleagues. The primary also includes other races for U.S. House, governor, and various state and local offices. Polls are open until 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Registered party members can only vote in their own party's primary, while independents can choose either primary. Approxi...
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Voters Split in Massachusetts Senate Race Between Senator Markey and Representative Moulton

Voters Split in Massachusetts Senate Race Between Senator Markey and Representative Moulton

The Massachusetts Senate primary race between incumbent Senator Ed Markey and challenger U.S. Representative Seth Moulton is highlighting a generational divide among Democratic voters. Senator Markey, 80, is emphasizing his 50-year record and progressive achievements, including co-authorship of the Green New Deal and early support for Medicare for All. He has garnered endorsements from prominent progressives like U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders, and has strong support from young progressive groups such as the High School Democrats of America and the College Democrats of America. Conversely, Representative Moulton, 47, is campaigning on a platform of generational change, arguing that younger leaders are better equipped to address contemporary issues like artificial intelligence, rising housing costs, and student debt. Some young voters supporting Moulton express concern that older politicians may not fully grasp the complexities of a rapidly evolving world, citing Mar...
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Senator Ed Markey Faces Age-Based Challenge in Massachusetts Democratic Primary

Senator Ed Markey Faces Age-Based Challenge in Massachusetts Democratic Primary

Senator Ed Markey, an 80-year-old Massachusetts Democrat, is facing a primary challenge from 47-year-old Representative Seth Moulton. Moulton's campaign centers on the need for 'generational change' and questions Markey's age and grasp of modern technology, citing a recent debate where Markey appeared unclear about AI platforms. Markey, who has served in Congress for decades, including 37 years in the House before his Senate election in 2013, is campaigning on his long-standing progressive ideals, such as the Green New Deal and Medicare for All. Despite Moulton's focus on age, Markey has garnered significant support from progressive figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Bernie Sanders, and has strong backing from young voters and college Democratic groups who prioritize his policy positions over his age. This primary is seen by some as a clash of ambition and efforts to secure future Democratic power in the state, rather than purely ideological differences.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Senator Markey and Representative Moulton Campaigns Highlight Generational Divide in Massachusetts Senate Race

Senator Markey and Representative Moulton Campaigns Highlight Generational Divide in Massachusetts Senate Race

The Massachusetts Senate primary race between incumbent Senator Ed Markey and challenger U.S. Representative Seth Moulton is intensifying, with both campaigns employing distinct strategies that underscore a generational divide within the Democratic Party. Senator Markey, 80, is leveraging his extensive 50-year political record and strong progressive credentials, campaigning alongside prominent figures like Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley. His strategy emphasizes his experience and legislative achievements, particularly in areas like climate change and healthcare. In contrast, Representative Moulton, 47, is focusing on a message of 'generational change,' arguing that it's time for new leadership. He is engaging directly with voters in smaller settings, presenting himself as a candidate who can bring a fresh perspective to contemporary issues. This 'split-screen' approach highlights Markey's reliance on institutional support and progressive bona fides...
Reuters Reuters
Trump's approval stuck at 33%; Democrats appear more fired up for midterms, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds

Trump's approval stuck at 33%; Democrats appear more fired up for midterms, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds

WASHINGTON, Aug 31 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's approval rating was stuck at the lowest level of his political career amid broad dissatisfaction over the war in Iran and the Republican's economic stewardship, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that concluded on Monday.
Reuters Reuters
US House passes funding bill to avert government shutdown before midterm elections

US House passes funding bill to avert government shutdown before midterm elections

By Richard Cowan WASHINGTON, Sept 1 (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved legislation to keep federal agencies operating beyond October 1 when existing funds are due to expire with the start of the new fiscal year.
Reuters Reuters
Democratic socialists' next hurdle: Winning over Black voters

Democratic socialists' next hurdle: Winning over Black voters

By Bianca Flowers, Nolan D.
Reuters Reuters
US Homeland Security to ramp up voter fraud investigations this week, CNN reports

US Homeland Security to ramp up voter fraud investigations this week, CNN reports

WASHINGTON, Sept 1 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to start expanding its effort to investigate alleged voter fraud this week, CNN has reported, citing federal guidance it reviewed.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Federal Judge Upholds Block on Trump Administration's Mail-in Ballot Order, Citing Potential Voter Disenfranchisement

Federal Judge Upholds Block on Trump Administration's Mail-in Ballot Order, Citing Potential Voter Disenfranchisement

A federal judge in Massachusetts, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, has denied requests from the Trump administration and Republican-led states to lift a temporary block on key provisions of a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) rule. This rule was designed to implement President Trump’s executive order aimed at securing federal elections. Judge Talwani's decision keeps her 14-day temporary restraining order in place, preventing the mandatory enforcement of new ballot envelope design requirements and a federal database for mail voters. The USPS rule, if implemented, would require states to provide lists of eligible voters and use specific barcode and envelope formatting, with non-compliant ballots facing rejection. The judge concluded that the USPS likely overstepped its authority in issuing the rule and that it is potentially unconstitutional and contrary to law. The Justice Department had appealed Talwani's initial temporary block, and the administration, along with Republican-led states, sought to pause her or...
AP News AP News
Moulton says Sen. Markey, 80, is too old for another term. Young Massachusetts Democrats are divided

Moulton says Sen. Markey, 80, is too old for another term. Young Massachusetts Democrats are divided

Young Massachusetts voters agree that 80-year-old U.S. Sen. Ed Markey stumbled when asked during a debate how he uses artificial intelligence