Massachusetts voters weigh Markey-Moulton Senate primary

Massachusetts voters are choosing Tuesday in a primary headlined by a Democratic U.S. Senate clash between incumbent Ed Markey and Rep. Seth Moulton, a contest that has turned on age, technology and competing visions for the party’s future.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Sept. 1, 2026, primary. Voters also are deciding competitive congressional primaries, a Republican race for governor and several district attorney contests.

Markey, 80, is seeking a third full Senate term. He was first elected to the Senate in 2013 after nearly 37 years in the U.S. House and has been identified with progressive causes including the Green New Deal. Moulton, 47, is a Marine Corps veteran and six-term congressman from the 6th Congressional District. He has been a disruptor within his party, including leading an unsuccessful 2018 effort to block Nancy Pelosi from becoming House speaker, and briefly ran for president in 2020.

The race has exposed a progressive-moderate divide among Democrats. Al Jazeera reported that Moulton is part of the moderate New Democrat Coalition, while Markey is running as a longtime progressive incumbent. Moulton has argued that Democrats need “generational change” and that Markey is too old to represent a generation facing challenges such as artificial intelligence. Markey has said he remains energized and has pledged that another term would be his last.

During a recent debate, Markey was asked whether he uses AI platforms such as ChatGPT or Claude for his work. He said he uses whatever is available through his iPhone or iPad and did not know which companies his devices might be using. Moulton responded: “Senator, if you don’t even know what you’re using on your phone or your iPad, this is why we need a new generation of leaders to regulate these technologies.” He called Markey’s grasp of technology “potentially disqualifying.”

Markey has defended his technology record, arguing that safeguards matter more than familiarity with individual AI products. Al Jazeera reported that he has pointed to legislation addressing AI’s effects on children, workers, civil rights and the environment.

Markey has backing from prominent progressives, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. “Ed Markey is one of the strongest progressive voices in the United States Senate,” Sanders said. “He has been an ally in taking on the billionaires, Big Tech, Wall Street and private equity as they continue to try to take over every aspect of our lives and further corrupt our government.”

A University of Massachusetts Amherst/WCVB poll conducted Aug. 5-12 found Markey leading Moulton 60% to 32%, with 7% undecided, according to Al Jazeera. The winner will face Republican John Deaton in November.

Moulton’s Senate run has opened his 6th District seat, covering much of the North Shore and parts of the Merrimack Valley. Six Democrats are seeking the nomination: Bethany Andres-Beck, John Beccia, Jamie Belsito, Dan Koh, Mariah Lancaster and Tram Nguyen. Al Jazeera identified Koh, Beccia and Nguyen as top contenders. Koh has raised about $4.7 million and has endorsements from former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris; Nguyen has raised about $895,000; and Beccia has added a $4 million personal loan to his campaign. The Democratic winner will face Republican Micah Jones, who is unopposed.

In the 8th District, 13-term Democratic Rep. Stephen Lynch, 71, faces progressive attorney Patrick Roath, 39. CBS News reported Roath’s campaign has spent more than $1 million trying to unseat Lynch. Al Jazeera reported Roath is endorsed by Leaders We Deserve, the political action committee headed by gun-safety activist David Hogg, and has criticized Lynch’s voting record. The winner will face Republican Robert Burke.

Republicans also are choosing between businessman Mike Minogue and former MBTA chief Brian Shortsleeve for governor. CBS News reported Minogue won the state party endorsement in April. Al Jazeera reported both candidates are military veterans with business backgrounds, both have supported President Donald Trump, and Shortsleeve backs abortion rights while Minogue does not. The winner will face Democratic Gov. Maura Healey.

Several prosecutor races are on the ballot. Seven Democrats are running to replace Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey, who is not seeking reelection after 16 years. In Suffolk County, Rachael Rollins is challenging incumbent District Attorney Kevin Hayden as she seeks her old job back after resigning as U.S. attorney for Massachusetts in 2023 following an ethics investigation.