Massachusetts Senate primary poll shows Markey far ahead of Moulton
A new Emerson College Polling survey finds Senator Ed Markey leading Representative Seth Moulton by nearly 28 points among likely Democratic primary voters in Massachusetts. The poll, conducted August 28-29, shows Markey with 60.4 percent support versus Moulton's 32.8 percent, with 6.7 percent undecided. The primary is set for Tuesday, and the winner is expected to secure the Senate seat in the general election.
The Emerson College poll surveyed 550 likely Democratic primary voters, with a credibility interval of 4.1 points. Markey’s lead stems from his authorship of the Green New Deal and efforts to tie Moulton to past positions on Iran and transgender rights. Moulton, 47, has framed his campaign around generational change, questioning the 80-year-old senator’s progressive record and response to the Trump administration. The Boston Globe’s endorsement of Moulton cited his promise of “new vision and vigor” for the party, though polling has consistently favored Markey. The primary occurs Tuesday, with the winner heavily favored in November’s general election.
This race highlights tensions within the Democratic Party over generational leadership and progressive priorities. The outcome could signal whether incumbents with long records retain support against younger challengers, or whether voters prioritize fresh faces in an era of intense partisan conflict. Because Massachusetts is safely Democratic, the primary effectively decides the senator, meaning the result may shape national narratives about party direction and influence fundraising or endorsements in other 2026 contests.