CHICAGO, Illinois, September 2, 2026 — Massachusetts Democratic Senate primary results show Sen. Ed Markey fending off a challenge from Rep. Seth Moulton. Projections gave the 80-year-old incumbent a commanding victory according to data published by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In November, he will race against Republican John Deaton.
A Campaign Built Around Key Questions
Moulton, 47, had joined the race blasting Markey—a member of the U.S. Senate since 2014—who Moulton felt needed to step aside for new blood. Official counts reported about 76 percent of the vote in Markey’s favor. Policymaking consensus between the two candidates meant that age was left as their primary area of contrast.
During the race, Markey repeatedly rejected the argument. He told public radio station WBUR, “The same ought to be true for Congressman Moulton,” meaning he would step aside if he cannot serve. He said battling Donald Trump is what motivates him each day.
Throughout his life as a public servant, Markey has made a habit of taking on entrenched incumbents. In a stunning 2014 primary upset, Moulton ousted nine-term Rep. John Tierney. In 2018, Moulton also unsuccessfully attempted to block Nancy Pelosi from being House speaker.
Progressive Endorsements Carried the Day
Sen. Markey’s campaign ran ads featuring Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren as endorsers. The incumbent was also endorsed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, whose municipal priorities are outlined by the City of Boston. Representing the major portion of support for Moulton was New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill and local newspaper editorial boards.
Moulton and his allies poured $7.1 million into ads, versus $3.9 million on the Markey side. Markey kept wide margins throughout the summer despite being outspent by a significant amount. He termed Tuesday’s result as evidence of “a movement of progressive, young people.”
Moulton has been a candidate with leadership skills that editorial writers said were needed in this moment. Still, most of the state’s congressional delegation fell in line behind Markey. That disproportionate measure of help inside the establishment undergirded the primary outcome.
Moulton Concedes, Pledges Support
Both campaigns confirmed that Moulton called Markey Tuesday night to concede the race. He told supporters heading into November that Markey “has my whole-hearted support.” Markey said he thanked his opponent for “running a tough campaign.”
That result is reminiscent of Markey’s past primary victory over then-Rep. Joe Kennedy III. That year he bested Kennedy by about 10 points, ignoring the same concerns over his advancing years. On Tuesday, the margin was larger still, reflecting continued strength within the state’s progressive base.
Earlier polling from research institutions like the University of New Hampshire Survey Center had shown Markey ahead by wide margins in August. That trump card served as the backbone of his campaign’s closing ads. It couldn’t be known, however, how they fared district-to-district against progressive voters who turned out in large numbers.
Politician and Party Leader Debate Preview
The victory for Markey stands at a time when older Democrats have failed to defeat challengers in primary races this year. In contrast, Massachusetts again went with experience at the top of the ticket against generational change. The same contest unfolded further down the ballot, where Rep. Stephen Lynch knocked off progressive challenger Patrick Roath, aged 71 vs. 39.
No Republican has been elected senator in Massachusetts in recent years, a streak extending over a decade. In 2024, Democrats won the state by nearly 25 points. Markey will now face off against Deaton, who lost his previous Senate race last November to Warren; Markey is the heavy favorite heading into November.
In order to retake control of the Senate, Democrats need to flip four seats nationally. While that math made Massachusetts never competitive, the primary attracted national attention. Now both sides will want to see how Markey positions his campaign against Deaton this fall.
