Senator Ed Markey has secured the Democratic nomination in the Massachusetts primary elections held on September 1, 2026, defeating Representative Seth Moulton. Veteran Democrats, including Markey, Stephen Lynch, and Richard Neal, successfully overcame challenges from younger candidates. Markey, 80, received support from prominent progressive figures such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders, while Moulton, 47, campaigned as a moderate alternative and was backed by groups like VoteVets.
In the House races, Lynch, 71, defeated progressive lawyer Patrick Roath, and Neal, 77, overcame public school teacher Jeromie Whalen. Despite Moulton's calls for generational change, Markey's age did not hinder his campaign. Moulton acknowledged the need for new leadership but ultimately conceded and pledged to support Markey.
Roath raised approximately $1.3 million, significantly narrowing Lynch's lead from 26 points in February to just seven points by the end of the campaign. Whalen also campaigned on progressive policies but was unable to unseat Neal. The Massachusetts results contrast with other Democratic primaries across the country, where younger progressive candidates have succeeded in defeating long-serving incumbents.
In the 6th Congressional District, former Biden White House aide Koh won the Democratic primary, endorsed by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Koh is now favored to win in the heavily Democratic district. Markey will face Republican John Deaton in the general election, while other Democratic nominees are also expected to have strong chances in November.