Massachusetts Democrats smashed incumbent challenges Tuesday, delivering a decisive progressive win in the Senate primary and preserving their House delegation.
Progressive Surge in Senate Primary
Sen. Ed Markey, 80, crushed Rep. Seth Moulton, 47, after Moulton urged the party to “pass the torch.” The Associated Press projected Markey’s victory, and Twitch streamer Hasan Piker hailed the result as a “w for our movement.”
Markey’s decades‑long congressional tenure and progressive record on LGBTQ+ rights and transgender athletes outweighed age concerns, securing a clear win for the party’s left wing.
House Delegation Holds
Incumbent Democrats Richard Neal and Stephen Lynch fended off younger challengers, while Katherine Clark and Jake Auchincloss also won renomination, confirming the delegation’s stability.
Former Biden White House aide Dan Koh captured the open 6th District seat left by Moulton’s Senate run, defeating Republican Micah Quinney Jones.
Koh’s victory was bolstered by endorsements from President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
DNC Chairman Ken Martin praised Koh, saying he will “bring down costs, protect healthcare, make housing more affordable, and hold Donald Trump accountable.”
Republicans Face Uphill Battle
Republicans failed to nominate candidates in four House districts — the 1st, 2nd, 5th and 7th — leaving Democrats like Rep. Ayanna Pressley unopposed in November.
In the gubernatorial race, businessman Michael Minogue won the GOP nomination and will challenge Democratic Gov. Maura Healey, who ran unopposed in her primary.
The GOP secured nominees in five districts: the 3rd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 9th, setting up a limited but competitive November slate.
