Massachusetts 2026 primary season: Senate, House and governor races

Key developments

1. Sep 2, 2026

   Polls show incumbent Sen. Ed Markey holding a wide lead over Rep. Seth Moulton ahead of the Massachusetts Democratic Senate primary, with final campaign stops and endorsements underway.

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2. Sep 2, 2026

   Rep. Stephen Lynch, 71, defeats progressive challenger Patrick Roath, 39, in the Massachusetts 8th District Democratic primary, securing a bid for a 14th term.

   9 sources on this →
3. Sep 2, 2026

   Republican Mike Minogue wins the GOP nomination to challenge Gov. Maura Healey, who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary, setting up the general election matchup.

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Coverage across the spectrum

Stories in this storyline

Politics

Lynch beats younger challenger Roath in Massachusetts primary fight over generational change

Massachusetts’ 8th District incumbent Rep. Stephen Lynch, 71, defeated progressive challenger Patrick Roath, 39, in a primary that underscored a battle between generational change and long-standing experience as Lynch seeks a 14th term. Lynch advances to the November race with strong labor and union backing, while Roath had outraised and campaigned on Medicare for All and immigration reform amid tensions over Lynch’s past votes and his stance during the Trump era.

9 sources

Politics

Markey Defeats Moulton in Mass. Senate Primary

Polls consistently show incumbent Ed Markey leading Rep. Seth Moulton in the Massachusetts Democratic Senate primary, with Emerson College surveys around 60% for Markey and roughly a 30-point lead when undecided voters are factored. The race centers on age and experience, as Markey touts his long tenure and progressive credentials while Moulton emphasizes change, with final weekend campaign stops and high-profile endorsements ahead of Tuesday's vote.