Massachusetts voters are heading to the polls on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, for a primary election to select nominees for federal and state offices. The ballot features a contested Democratic U.S. Senate primary between incumbent Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Seth Moulton, along with races for governor, Congress, and district attorney. Polls are scheduled to remain open across the state from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Sen. Ed Markey has served in the Senate since 2013 and previously served in the House starting in 1976. Seeking a third full term, Markey is known as a champion of progressive causes like the Green New Deal. Rep. Seth Moulton, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, has represented the state's 6th Congressional District since 2014 and previously ran for president in 2020. Moulton has campaigned on the need for change, citing Markey's age of 80 years, while Markey has stated he remains energized but pledged that this would be his final term.
In the Republican primary for governor, businessman Mike Minogue, who received the state party's endorsement in April, faces former MBTA chief Brian Shortsleeve. The winner will face Democratic Gov. Maura Healey in the general election. In the 6th Congressional District, six Democrats—Bethany Andres-Beck, John Beccia, Jamie Belsito, Dan Koh, Mariah Lancaster, and Tram Nguyen—are seeking the nomination for the seat Moulton is vacating. Additionally, Rep. Stephen Lynch faces a primary challenge from attorney Patrick Roath in the 8th District.
In district attorney races, seven Democrats are vying to replace Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey, who is not seeking reelection. Candidates in that race have addressed local investigations into the Karen Read trials and the death of Sandra Birchmore. In Suffolk County, Rachael Rollins is running against incumbent District Attorney Kevin Hayden. Rollins resigned as U.S. attorney for Massachusetts in 2023 following an ethics investigation.
The outcome of the Senate primary features two candidates with similar progressive platforms. The winner of the Democratic primary will move on to face Republican John Deaton in the general election. Following the close of polls at 8 p.m., votes will be tallied to determine which candidates proceed to the November ballot.