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Markey wins Massachusetts primary
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Senator Ed Markey, 80, won Massachusetts' Democratic primary, beating Rep. Seth Moulton. The win signals progressive strength despite age-focused challenges.
Background
Massachusetts is a heavily Democratic state, so the primary is often the decisive contest. Markey, an incumbent since 1976, faced a challenge from younger Rep. Seth Moulton, who argued it was time for generational change. Markey's victory is seen as a win for the progressive wing, echoing his 2020 defeat of Joe Kennedy III.
How it unfolded
- Aug 30, 2026Emerson College Poll shows Markey leading Moulton 60% to 33%.
- Sep 1, 2026Massachusetts holds its primary; polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sep 2, 2026Markey wins the primary, defeating Moulton by a large margin.
Who’s saying what
- Support
- Markey's supporters, including progressives like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, tout his experience and policy achievements.
- Caution
- Moulton and his allies argued Markey's age (80) makes him less effective, spending $7.1 million on ads to make the case.