Senator Ed Markey holds a commanding lead over Representative Seth Moulton in the Massachusetts Democratic Senate primary, according to two polls released just days before the September 1 election . The two candidates met for their final debate on August 20, sparring over issues including AI, energy costs, and generational change .
Ed Markey vs Seth Moulton Primary 2026
| Candidate | Party | Position | Primary Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ed Markey | Democrat | U.S. Senator (Incumbent) | Candidate |
| Seth Moulton | Democrat | U.S. Representative | Candidate |
The Massachusetts Democratic U.S. Senate primary is scheduled for September 1, 2026 . The winner will face Republican John Deaton, who is running unopposed on the GOP side .
Who Is Ed Markey?
Ed Markey, 80, has served in the U.S. Senate since July 2013 and previously served in the House for more than 36 years . He is campaigning on his progressive record and experience, running on a platform that includes Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, and corporate accountability .
Markey has secured endorsements from prominent progressives including:
- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.)
- Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)
- Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.)
- Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.)
Markey has said he would not seek another term if reelected this year .
Who Is Seth Moulton?
Seth Moulton, 47, has served in the House since 2015 and is a former Marine Corps officer who served in the Iraq War . He is running on a message of generational change, arguing that Massachusetts needs new leadership in the Senate .
Moulton has been endorsed by:
- New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill
- Reps. Derek Tran (Calif.), Chrissy Houlahan (Pa.), Seth Magaziner (R.I.), and Pat Ryan (N.Y.)
- The Boston Globe editorial board
Latest Ed Markey vs Seth Moulton Polls
| Poll | Date | Markey | Moulton | Methodology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UMass Amherst/WCVB | Aug. 5-12, 2026 | 60% | 32% | 462 Democratic primary voters |
| Suffolk University/Boston Globe | Aug. 2026 | 52% | 38% | 500 likely primary voters, ±4.4% |
An earlier UMass poll from June showed the race much closer, with Markey at 41% and Moulton at 35% . However, recent polling shows Markey has built a substantial advantage as the primary approaches.
Key findings from the polls:
- Markey leads 52% to 38% in the Suffolk/Globe poll, with 9% undecided
- The UMass poll shows Markey ahead 60% to 32%, a 28-point margin
- Markey leads among women by 27 points
- Markey has an 82% approval rating among likely primary voters
- 91% of voters say Markey is the more experienced candidate
What the Latest Polls Show
The polls indicate Markey has “successfully locked up” the race, according to Suffolk University pollster David Paleologos . However, some analysts caution that pollsters have previously overestimated progressive turnout in similar races .
Key takeaways:
- Markey’s age (80) appears to be less of a liability than Moulton had hoped. Nearly half of Democratic primary voters said Markey’s age makes no difference to them
- Markey is viewed as more “honest,” “empathetic,” “likeable,” and “hard-working” than Moulton
- Moulton is seen as more “moderate” and “energetic”
- 33% said Markey’s age would make them less likely to vote for him
Ed Markey vs Seth Moulton Debate
The candidates faced off in their third and final debate on August 20, 2026, co-hosted by WCVB, WBUR, and The Boston Globe .
Key debate moments:
- Artificial intelligence: Markey said he uses “whatever is inside of my iPhone and my iPad” when asked about AI platforms, prompting Moulton to respond: “If you don’t even know what you’re using on your phone or your iPad… this is why we need a new generation of leaders to regulate these technologies”
- Healthcare: Markey supports “Medicare for All,” while Moulton supports “universal healthcare” and “Medicare for all who want it”
- Transgender rights: Moulton apologized for comments he made in 2024 about transgender athletes, saying he was “sorry” if he hurt anyone and that transgender athletes should be allowed to participate “with a discussion about safety and fairness.” Markey said Moulton “threw those kids under the political bus”
- ICE: Both candidates said ICE should be abolished in its current form
- Energy costs: Moulton argued that Massachusetts residents have electricity bills “literally twice as high as the national average.” PolitiFact found this is “close” to accurate, as Massachusetts rates are about 1.5 times the national average
Markey and Moulton on the Issues
Massachusetts Senate Primary Date
Primary Date: September 1, 2026
Important dates:
- Early voting: August 22-28, 2026
- Registration deadline: Check with Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth
- Polls close at 8:00 p.m. ET
How to Vote in the Massachusetts Democratic Primary
Massachusetts voters who are registered Democrats or unenrolled (independent) voters can participate in the Democratic primary .
Voting options:
- Early voting (August 22-28)
- Mail-in voting (check with local election officials for deadlines)
- Election Day voting (September 1)
What Is at Stake for Ed Markey?
Markey is fighting to retain his Senate seat against a well-funded primary challenger . A loss would end a political career spanning over four decades . However, polls suggest he is in a strong position to win the nomination and is also favored to beat Republican John Deaton in the general election .
What Is at Stake for Seth Moulton?
Moulton is attempting to become the first challenger to unseat a sitting Massachusetts senator since 1984 . A victory would be a major political upset and establish him as a rising star in the Democratic Party. His campaign has focused on the argument that it is time for a “new generation” of leadership .
Can Seth Moulton Beat Ed Markey?
While polls show Markey with a commanding lead, Moulton still has a path to victory . Factors that could affect the race:
For Moulton:
- Low-turnout primaries can be unpredictable
- Late-deciding voters may break for the challenger
- His message of generational change has resonated in other states
For Markey:
- High name recognition and favorability ratings
- Strong support among key Democratic constituencies
- Endorsements from progressive leaders
Latest Campaign Updates
Updated: August 23, 2026
- Polls: Markey leads by double digits in both recent polls
- Debate: Final debate held on August 20; AI and generational change featured prominently
- Endorsements: AOC endorsed Markey on August 20; Boston Globe editorial board endorsed Moulton on August 18
- Primary: September 1, 2026
Quick Comparison
FAQ
1. When is the Ed Markey vs Seth Moulton primary?
September 1, 2026 .
2. Who is Ed Markey?
The incumbent U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, first elected in 2013, previously served in the House for 36 years .
3. Who is Seth Moulton?
A U.S. Representative from Massachusetts’s 6th district, first elected in 2014, and a former Marine Corps officer .
4. Is Seth Moulton challenging Ed Markey?
Yes, Moulton is challenging Markey in the Massachusetts Democratic Senate primary .
5. Who is leading the latest Markey vs Moulton poll?
Ed Markey leads by double digits (52-60% vs Moulton’s 32-38%) in recent polls .
6. What do the latest polls show?
Markey has a substantial lead, with the UMass poll showing him ahead 60% to 32% and the Suffolk poll showing 52% to 38% .
7. When is the Massachusetts Democratic Senate primary?
September 1, 2026 .
8. Where can Massachusetts voters vote?
Early voting is August 22-28; Election Day voting is September 1 at local polling places .
9. What are Markey and Moulton’s main campaign issues?
Markey emphasizes his progressive record on climate, healthcare, and corporate accountability. Moulton emphasizes generational change, energy costs, and new leadership .
10. When will the Markey vs Moulton primary results be announced?
Results will be available after polls close at 8:00 p.m. ET on September 1, 2026.
11. Can Seth Moulton defeat Ed Markey?
While polls show Markey with a significant lead, primary elections are unpredictable, and low turnout could affect the outcome .
12. What Senate seat are Markey and Moulton competing for?
The Massachusetts U.S. Senate seat, which Markey currently holds .