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...