Massachusetts Primary: Progressive vs. Moderate Battle in Democratic Race

On September 1, voters in Massachusetts (U.S.) head to the polls for the primary election, with the spotlight on the Senate race between incumbent Senator Ed Markey and Representative Seth Moulton. This contest is seen as the latest test between the progressive and moderate wings of the Democratic Party, as Moulton is part of the moderate New Democrat Coalition, while Markey is a veteran progressive.

Voters will also decide competitive primaries in the 6th and 8th congressional districts, along with races for governor, state legislature, and district attorney.

Voting Hours

Polls open at 7 a.m. (11:00 GMT) and close at 8 p.m. (midnight GMT) on September 1.

Key Races

In the 6th Congressional District, voters pick a Democratic nominee to succeed Moulton. Three notable candidates: Dan Koh, a former local election official; John Beccia, a fintech executive; and Tram Nguyen, a Massachusetts state legislator. Koh leads fundraising with about $4.7 million, backed by former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris. Nguyen has raised about $895,000, while Beccia has self-funded $4 million for his campaign. The winner will face Republican Micah Jones, who ran unopposed in his primary.

In the 8th Congressional District, Rep. Stephen Lynch, 71, seeking a 14th term, faces a challenge from progressive lawyer Patrick Roath, 39. Roath is backed by Leaders We Deserve, a PAC led by gun control activist David Hogg. Roath criticizes Lynch's centrist record, noting Lynch voted against the Affordable Care Act in 2010 and was the only Massachusetts congressman to support Trump's Laken Riley Act, which requires federal law enforcement to detain and deport immigrants charged with nonviolent crimes, regardless of conviction. The winner will face Republican Robert Burke, who lost to Lynch in 2024.

In the gubernatorial race, incumbent Maura Healey is all but certain to win the Democratic nomination. On the Republican side, candidates Brian Shortsleeve and Michael Roger Minogue, both veterans with business backgrounds. Their main difference: Shortsleeve supports abortion rights; Minogue does not. Both back Trump.

Senate Race

The top statewide contest is the Democratic Senate primary between Markey and Moulton. Markey, 80, seeks a third full term, joining the Senate in 2013 after nearly 37 years in the House. His last primary challenge was in 2020, when he beat former Rep. Joseph Kennedy III by 10 points. Moulton, 47, a former Marine, ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020.

Age is a central theme of Moulton's campaign. He calls for a "generational change" in the Democratic Party, arguing Markey is too old to represent a generation facing challenges like AI. In a recent debate, when asked if he uses AI platforms like ChatGPT or Claude, Markey said he uses what's on his iPhone or iPad without knowing which company's technology powers them. Moulton quickly criticized, saying leaders need to understand the technology they'll regulate, calling Markey's loose grasp "potentially disqualifying."

Markey defends his tech record, arguing familiarity with specific AI products matters less than establishing safeguards around technology. He cites his proposed bills on AI's impact on children, workers, civil rights, and the environment.

Markey has endorsements from the College Democrats of America and prominent progressives like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, also from Massachusetts, has voiced support. "Ed Markey is one of the strongest progressive voices in the U.S. Senate," Sanders said in his endorsement.

A recent UMass Amherst/WCVB poll (conducted Aug. 5-12) shows Markey leading Moulton 60%-32%, with 7% undecided.