Voters across Massachusetts head to the polls on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, to cast ballots in a high-stakes primary election featuring a contentious Democratic U.S. Senate race between incumbent Ed Markey and challenger Seth Moulton alongside competitive congressional and gubernatorial contests.
Polling locations opened across the Commonwealth at 7 a.m. and will remain open until 8 p.m. Voters can confirm their designated polling place through the secretary of state’s website. For residents affected by Boston’s heavy September 1 lease changeover volume, state officials clarified that individuals who moved within the state during the past six months may still cast ballots at their previous polling location if they have not yet registered at their new address.
Voters who waited until Election Day with an unmailed ballot were warned by Secretary of State Bill Galvin’s office that mailing it now risks non-delivery due to the lack of a primary postmark grace period. Instead, officials urged voters to deliver ballots directly to local drop boxes or election offices by the 8 p.m. deadline.
Markey and Moulton Clash Over Age and Technology in U.S. Senate Primary
The marquee statewide matchup pits Democratic Senator Ed Markey against U.S. Representative Seth Moulton. Markey, who turned 80 in July, is seeking a third full term after entering the upper chamber in 2013 following nearly 37 years in the House. Moulton, a 47-year-old Marine Corps veteran representing the 6th Congressional District since 2014, staked his campaign on a call for generational change in the Democratic Party.
“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.”
U.S. Representative Seth Moulton, via Al Jazeera
Despite Moulton’s aggressive challenge, Markey maintained a nearly $2 million fundraising advantage and held a double-digit lead in recent polling. The winner of the Democratic primary faces Republican John Deaton in November.
Congressional Battles Mirror the Demand for Generational Shifts
The theme of generational friction extends down-ballot into Massachusetts’ congressional primaries. In the 8th Congressional District, 13-term incumbent Representative Stephen Lynch, 71, faces a progressive primary challenge from 39-year-old attorney Patrick Roath. Roath criticized Lynch’s centrist voting history, including past votes against the Affordable Care Act and support for federal immigration enforcement legislation. Roath outraised Lynch $1.3 million to $910,000, narrowing the incumbent’s polling lead significantly.
Meanwhile, Moulton’s departure from the 6th Congressional District triggered a crowded six-way Democratic primary to succeed him across the North Shore and Merrimack Valley. Former local election official Dan Koh entered the primary day as the leading fundraiser with about $4.7m in contributions, backed by former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris. Competitors included State Representative Tram Nguyen, who raised about $895,000, and financial technology executive John Beccia, who injected a $4m personal loan into his campaign.
Gubernatorial and District Attorney Contests Take Shape
On the executive side, Governor Maura Healey faces no Democratic opponents, securing her path to the general election ballot. The Republican gubernatorial primary features a contest between former MBTA chief Brian Shortsleeve and businessman Mike Minogue, who secured the state party endorsement in April.
Down-ballot prosecutor races are drawing heavy voter attention, particularly in Norfolk County. Seven Democrats are competing to succeed outgoing District Attorney Michael Morrissey, who is stepping down after 16 years. Candidates faced intense questioning over handling high-profile local legal proceedings, including the Karen Read trials and the Sandra Birchmore death investigation. In Suffolk County, former U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins is challenging incumbent District Attorney Kevin Hayden to reclaim her former post.
With heavily Democratic voter registration figures across the state, the primary serves as the definitive hurdle for major races, with winners heavily favored in November.
