What to know about the US primary election in Massachusetts

Voters in the U.S. state of Massachusetts cast ballots on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, in a primary election marked by high stakes and ideological divides within the Democratic Party. The centerpiece of the contest is the race for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, pitting long-time incumbent Senator Edward Markey against Representative Seth Moulton. Markey, who turns 80 in July, seeks a third term in the Senate, while Moulton, a six-term congressman and Marine Corps veteran, represents a more centrist faction within the party. The primary includes several other competitive races, including the Democratic nominations for the 6th and 8th Congressional Districts, as well as contests for governor, state legislature, and district attorney. In the 6th District, voters will select a candidate to replace Moulton, whose seat is currently held by him. Among the top contenders are former local election official Dan Koh, financial technology executive John Beccia, and Massachusetts State Representative Tram Nguyen. Koh leads in fundraising, having secured approximately $4.7 million in contributions, and has received endorsements from former Presidents Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Nguyen has raised around $895,000, while Beccia has bolstered his campaign through a $4 million personal loan. The winner of the 6th District race will face Republican Micah Jones, who is unopposed for his party's nomination. In the 8th District, 13-term Democratic incumbent Representative Stephen Lynch faces a challenge from progressive attorney Patrick Roath. Roath, backed by the political action committee Leaders We Deserve, has criticized Lynch’s voting record, particularly his opposition to former President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act in 2010 and his support for the Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention and deportation of immigrants charged with nonviolent crimes, regardless of conviction. Lynch, who is 71, will face Republican Robert Burke, who ran uncontested in the 2024 election and previously lost to Lynch. The gubernatorial race sees an effectively uncontested Democratic primary, with incumbent Governor Maura Healey running unopposed for her party’s nomination. Meanwhile, two Republican candidates, Brian Shortsleeve and Michael Roger Minogue, are vying for the GOP nomination. Both are military veterans with business backgrounds, but they differ on key issues such as abortion rights, with Shortsleeve supporting abortion access and Minogue opposing it. Both candidates have expressed support for former President Donald Trump. The Senate race between Markey and Moulton highlights the growing divide between progressive and moderate factions within the Democratic Party. Markey, who has served in the Senate since 2013, is known for his advocacy on climate change and social justice issues. Moulton, who briefly considered a presidential run in 2020, has positioned himself as a bridge between the party’s left and right wings. Age has become a focal point of Moulton’s campaign, emphasizing generational change within the party. Markey, being the oldest Senate Democrat seeking re-election this year, faces pressure to demonstrate continued relevance and effectiveness in a rapidly evolving political landscape. As the polls opened at 7 a.m. Eastern Time and closed at 8 p.m., the outcome of these races will shape the Democratic Party’s strategy for the upcoming general elections and influence the direction of national policy in the coming years. The results will provide insight into how the party is navigating internal divisions and responding to shifting voter priorities.