Kevin Hayden will win Democratic primary for Suffolk district attorney, according to the AP — 11:55 p.m.By Kaitlin Lewis, Globe StaffIncumbent Kevin Hayden will win the Democratic primary for Suffolk district attorney, according to the Associated Press.Hayden’s victory marks a failed political comeback for Rachael Rollins, a former Suffolk district attorney who, after leaving the post for US attorney, resigned in 2023 amid an ethics scandal. Hayden was appointed to replace Rollins as district attorney by former Republican governor Charlie Baker in 2022.Mayor Michelle Wu calls Lander’s close margin ‘reflection of the energy on the ground’ — 11:44 p.m.By Emma Platoff, Globe StaffBoston Mayor Michelle Wu appeared with state Senate candidate Daniel Lander Tuesday night as he celebrated a close margin in his challenge to incumbent William Brownsberger.Wu, who had been one of Lander’s highest-profile backers, called the results “a real reflection of the energy on the ground,” even as the contest remained too close to call.Asked whether her support had influenced Tuesday’s Senate races, she demurred.“Your vote is deeply personal,” Wu told reporters. “Everyone thinks about that in their own unique way.”In another race, Wu’s chosen candidate, Latoya Gayle, lost to incumbent Senator Nick Collins. Asked whether she was disappointed in the result, Wu called Gayle’s showing “an incredible accomplishment” for a first-time candidate.“That is a process that takes time,” she said.Stephen Lynch will win Democratic primary in 8th Congressional District, the AP projects — 11:41 p.m.By Kaitlin Lewis, Globe StaffUS Representative Stephen Lynch will win the Democratic nomination in the Eighth Congressional District, the Associated Press projected, staving off a challenge from progressive Patrick Roath.The contest was the latest example of a younger candidate challenging an established Democrat. Lynch, 71, is running for a 13th term in Congress. Roath, a 39-year-old attorney and former aide to ex-governor Deval Patrick, accused Lynch on the campaign trail of clinging to “politics of the past.”With Lynch’s projected win, all congressional Democratic incumbents running in Tuesday’s primaries safely moved on to November.Representative Stephen Lynch speaks at his election night watch party in Boston.Meleck Eldahshoury for The Boston GlobeIn state Senate challenge, Daniel Lander says ‘it is so, so close’ — 11:13 p.m.By Emma Platoff, Globe StaffFirst-time candidate Daniel Lander said Tuesday night that his closely-watched challenge to state Senator William Brownsberger was “within double digits.”“While I wish tonight we were ready to say we had a decision, it is so, so close,” Lander said.A longshot running against a two-decade veteran of the state Legislature, Lander framed that tight margin as a major victory.“Tonight, we have already sent shockwaves on Beacon Hill,” Lander said.He appeared with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, one of his most high-profile supporters and his former boss. Wu said Lander had “crushed” it in Boston.State Senator Nick Collins declares ‘decisive’ victory over Wu-backed challenger Latoya Gayle — 11:12 p.m.By Niki Griswold, Globe StaffState Senator Nick Collins of South Boston declared victory Tuesday night over challenger Latoya Gayle, a first-time challenger backed by Mayor Michelle Wu.Collins told the Globe that city election results obtained by his campaign show that he achieved a “decisive” victory, which he said demonstrated that his constituents are looking for an “independent” representative in the state Senate, who is willing to compromise. Gayle had already conceded to her supporters.“I love this city, I love this state, and I want to make sure that it has the type of representation that can represent everybody,” Collins said as he addressed a crowd of cheering supporters at Florian Hall in Dorchester.Just after 11 p.m., Collins said Gayle had not called him to formally concede, but said, “it was not a close election.” That said, he implied that he appreciated the competition.“Sometimes you have to dust off the cleats,” Collins told the Globe in an interview. “Nobody owns a seat, and I think it’s made me a better senator. It’s tested my team and brought out the best in the district.”Collins acknowledged that Wu’s endorsement and support for Gayle made for a challenging re-election race, but argued that ultimately his message resonated with voters.“My prerogative is to not prioritize the zero sum, [but] to try to find common ground, which requires compromise, and I can work with anybody who has that mindset,” he continued. “It can’t be about rigid ideology and purity tests. … You can have disagreements with being able to work on other issues.”US Representative Richard Neal will win Democratic primary in 1st District, the AP projects — 11:10 p.m.By Kaitlin Lewis, Globe StaffIncumbent Representative Richard Neal will win the Democratic primary in the First Congressional District, the Associated Press projected, fending off a challenge from political newcomer Jeromie Whalen.Whalen, a high school teacher, ran on a more progressive platform than Neal, who is seeking a 20th term. But Whalen’s campaign was not without hiccups, including reports of a past drunk driving arrest that he acknowledged on social media just 10 days before Tuesday’s election.In reversal, Brownsberger says vote count has turned in his favor — 11:06 p.m.By Kate Selig, Globe StaffIn a surprise 11 p.m. announcement, state Senator Will Brownsberger told the crowd of supporters gathered at Donohue’s Bar and Grill in Watertown that the vote count had turned in his favor. He said the campaign previously did not have all the ballots from Belmont.“We’re actually up by a [expletive] 1,000 right now,” he said.The crowd erupted in cheers.Sanders, Pressley congratulate Markey on ‘landslide victory’ — 10:45 p.m.By Kaitlin Lewis, Globe StaffVermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who endorsed Markey’s reelection bid over Moulton, said in a post on X that Markey “knows that, at a time of massive income and wealth inequality, Congress must take on the billionaires and fight for working families.”Representative Ayanna Pressley, who also endorsed Markey, posted a photo of her and the senator on her X account to congratulate him. Pressley won the Democratic primary for the Seventh Congressional District after running unopposed.“Tonight, Massachusetts sent a clear message: we want Democrats who will defend our communities and never back down,” Pressley wrote.Surge of excitement at the Lynch watch party — 10:44 p.m.By Tal Kopan, Globe StaffAs local news flashed the current margin of the Lynch race on the screen — with Lynch up 57 percent to 43 percent — a huge cheer went up at Lynch’s watch party.Until now, the event has been fairly muted, with roughly four dozen supporters in attendance. But the jump in Lynch’s lead noticeably excited the group.People wait patiently for election results at Representative Stephen F. Lynch’s election night watch party in Boston.Meleck Eldahshoury for The Boston GlobeLatoya Gayle officially concedes race — 10:42 p.m.By Sterling Davies, Globe CorrespondentLatoya Gayle officially conceded her race for the 1st Suffolk state Senate seat against incumbent Nick Collins. This came after Gayle made a speech to her supporters, thanking them for their commitment throughout her campaign.Ex-Biden aide Dan Koh will win Democratic primary for Moulton’s House seat, the AP projects — 10:33 p.m.By Kaitlin Lewis, Globe StaffDan Koh, a former Biden White House aide, will win the Democratic primary for the Sixth Congressional District, according to the Associated Press. Koh was projected to prevail over a crowded primary field vying for the nomination to fill Seth Moulton’s House seat.One of his opponents, state Representative Tram Nguyen, was backed by Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Lori Trahan.Latoya Gayle thanks supporters as Senator Collins pulls ahead — 10:27 p.m.By Sterling Davies, Globe Correspondent As Senator Nick Collins appears to pull ahead in the race for the 1st Suffolk state Senate seat, Latoya Gayle made an appearance at her watch party in Dorchester.“The results are not what we wanted, but that’s not why I’m crying,” Gayle said, shedding a few tears. “He said that I made him be a better state senator, and I hope he means that. We ran one hell of a race”Gayle noted that the fight isn’t over for her, thanking the organizations and nonprofits that stood by her and hoping they continue working towards what her campaign envisioned.“This wasn’t a race about me. This was a race about us. Yes, and we’re still gonna keep fighting for the things that matter to us,” she said. “And I’m sorry I couldn’t get us over the finish line.”With her family present and supporters cheering her on, they popped cider, and said a toast to the campaign’s work.“We can do hard and brave things. And so let’s just keep doing hard and great things together,” Gayle said.“We can still fight because I’ve meant every word that I said on this campaign, and I care about all of you, and I care about our community, and I care about our city.”Markey: ‘Trump brings out the Malden in me’ — 10:21 p.m.By Kaitlin Lewis, Globe StaffThe senator highlighted several of his campaign promises while on stage, including “Medicare for all,” protecting abortion rights, and tackling cost-of-living issues like childcare.“It is a future we can realize through a bold, transformational, progressive agenda,” Markey said.Markey also took shots at President Trump and painted a picture of growing up in Malden and watching his parents make “sacrifices” for him and his brothers. He attacked the Trump administration for cutting social programs that he said will help “boys and girls” that grew up like him.“Donald Trump brings out the Malden in me every single day,” he said.Senator Ed Markey walks out with his wife, Susan Blumenthal, during his watch party for the US Senate democratic primary in Boston.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff‘Continue to hang tight,’ Lander supporters are told in closely watched state Senate race — 10:20 p.m.By Emma Platoff, Globe StaffEven after incumbent state Senator Will Brownsberger indicated he “might have lost” his Democratic primary on Tuesday, his opponent, first-time candidate Daniel Lander, had yet to take the stage.“Continue to hang tight,” a supporter, Josh Wolfson, told the upbeat crowd at Peka Restaurant in Brighton. Wolfson is the Massachusetts state director for the Working Families Party, which had backed Lander alongside a slate of legislative candidates. Wolfson said votes were still being counted.Lander has yet to appear at the party, where a couple dozen supporters gathered beneath neon lights to hope for victory.Neal supporters buoyed by results from Springfield — 10:15 p.m.By Jim Puzzanghera, Globe StaffThere was some nervousness early among about 100 supporters of US Representative Richard Neal at his election night party as numbers from liberal areas showed his opponent Jeromie Whalen in the lead.But that dissipated and a big cheer went up when results from Springfield, the biggest city in the First Congressional District showed Neal in the lead.The 19-term veteran is poised to chair the powerful Ways and Means Committee if he wins re-election and the Democrats take the House majority. And that means a lot to Neal supporter Brian Ahern, 73, of Springfield.“I was saying to somebody I know who was with Whalen, ‘If everything goes according to plan, Richie’s going to be head of Ways and Means and it’s a two-year term,’ “ said Ahern, sipping a beer and wearing a Neal t-shirt. “It’s going to take your guy one year to find the men’s room in the Capitol.” Markey details primary night phone call with Moulton — 10:13 p.m.By Kaitlin Lewis, Globe Staff Markey said that he spoke with Moulton and thanked him “for a hard fought campaign.”“I told him that I look forward to talking with him about how to build a better future for everyone that we are both committed to,” Markey said.Senator Ed Markey delivers his victory speech in Boston.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe StaffMarkey addresses supporters after win, says young voices will ‘show us the way’ — 10:12 p.m.By Kaitlin Lewis, Globe Staff Markey spoke to a cheering crowd gathered in downtown Boston and touted his win as a “progressive movement fueled by young people demanding more from their leaders.”“Young people will show us the way,” the 80-year-old senator said. It was a direct response to Moulton’s campaign, which pitched voters on generational change.Checking in on US House races across Mass. — 10:10 p.m.By Kaitlin Lewis, Globe Staff The Associated Press has made projections in a handful of US House races in Massachusetts, and others are still too close to call.In the Fourth District, the Associated Press projected a win for US Representative Jake Auchincloss over progressive Jason Poulos. House Minority Whip Katherine Clark also fended off primary challenges from two different candidates, the Associated Press projected.In Boston, Representative Stephen Lynch was leading his progressive challenger, Patrick Roath, with about 20 percent of the votes counted. Roath’s campaign hinged on pushing for younger leadership in Congress. Lynch, 71, is running for a 14th term.With 30 percent of the votes counted in the First District, AP data showed that Representative Richard Neal was starting to pull away from Jeromie Whalen, a high school journalism teacher whose campaign was rocked by reports of a past drunk driving arrest.In the wide-open Sixth District, former Biden White House aide Dan Koh and state Representative Tram Nguyen were leading the crowded field to replace Seth Moulton.Senator Markey addresses supporters after primary victory over Moulton — 9:58 p.m.By Amanda Kaufman, Globe StaffEd Markey delivers victory speech on election nightUS Senator Ed Markey addressed supporters Tuesday night after AP projected he would defeat US Representative Seth Moulton in the Democratic Senate primary.Senator Brownsberger shows worry in front of supporters — 9:52 p.m.By Kate Selig, Globe StaffIn a candid speech delivered to a crowd of supporters at Donohue’s in Watertown Tuesday night, state Senator Will Brownsberger said the results were “not looking that good tonight.”“We might have lost,” he said. “I’m not quite saying that yet, but as is my way upfront, that’s what I’m seeing out there.”He thanked his supporters who had gathered hoping for a different result. He said, “You’ve been so good to me, and —”A woman called out from the crowd: “You’ve been good to us.”Daniel Lander’s team has not commented on race results yet.Supporters mingle, wait for news at Lynch watch party — 9:48 p.m.By Tal Kopan, Globe StaffStephen Lynch’s election night watch party was slowly getting going as early results rolled in. After a last-minute change of venue, a group of his volunteers, supporters, friends, and family occupied a back room of the hip Southie bar The Playwright.Chafing dishes held sliders and finger food and Lynch signs adorned the walls as most of the noise came from the active patrons at the bar and pop music playlist. TV screens showed US Open Tennis, the Red Sox game, and NBC’s America’s Got Talent, as perplexed bar staff couldn’t identify a news channel showing results to put on instead.As results trickled in and the lead changed with different batches, it was unclear if Lynch’s backers were following closely. Some looked at phones and others mingled as they passed the time.Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch said he thought Lynch was in a good position.“I thought he did a good job,” Koch said. “I was I was impressed with the mailings. I thought he defended his position pretty well. It’s crazy times … and in a Democratic primary, it’s very dangerous to somebody who’s moderate because you get a lot of the extreme left that come out and vote in the primary. [But] I feel good about Quincy.” edited by meSupporters lining up for Brownsberger in Senate race — 9:47 p.m.By Kate Selig, Globe StaffAs early results ticked in, supporters of Senator Will Brownsberger gathered at Donohue’s Bar and Grill in Watertown — over chicken tenders and fries — and were cautiously optimistic that their candidate would prevail.Donna Palombo, 51, of Brighton, said Brownsberger has a leg up over his opponent with his experience and track record of helping constituents. She is the vice chair of the Ward 21 Democratic Committee, which Brownsberger’s challenger Daniel Lander chairs.When Palombo was completing a master’s degree at the Boston University School of Public Health, she reached out to Brownsberger’s team for the senator’s opinion on a topic she was researching for an assignment: getting full-time care for older people. Brownsberger called her directly.If Brownsberger were to win, she said, it would show that “your life experience matters.”Latoya Gayle supporters begin to show out as they wait for results — 9:44 p.m. By Sterling Davies, Globe CorrespondentAfter polls closed, Latoya Gayle supporters and volunteers trickled in to Sweet Teez Bakery to join her official election watch party. With tables full of snacks, sweets, and refreshments, Boston locals are anxious to see how Gayle will fare against incumbent Nick Collins for the state Senate seat representing the 1st Suffolk District, based in South Boston and Dorchester.One volunteer even made cookies with Gayle’s face on them to hand out.Shirley Jones, a longtime Dorchester resident, has known Gayle for over 20 years, so choosing to volunteer for her came with zero hesitation.“When she told me that [she would run], I was like, ‘You know what? You’re already doing the work. It’s nothing new,’” Jones said. “Latoya decided to run for 1st Suffolk Senate because she knew the community needed someone who would stand up and provide for them what they weren’t getting.”At Latoya Gayle’s watch party at Sweet Teez Bakery, supporters are going all out with custom cookies of the candidate.(Sterling Davies/Globe Staff)Brownsberger-Lander race that Wu waded into is ‘too early to call,’ supporter says as upbeat crowd gathers — 9:29 p.m. By Emma Platoff, Globe StaffThe closely-watched state Senate race between incumbent Will Brownsberger and challenger Daniel Lander is still “too early to call,” a Lander ally told a crowd of his supporters at a restaurant in Brighton Tuesday evening.Josh Wolfson, Massachusetts state director for the Working Families Party, which has backed Lander as part of a slate of legislative candidates, told a room of several dozen Lander supporters that he had just spoken with the campaign and that votes were still being counted.The mood was upbeat at Peka Restaurant as attendees munched on empanadas and chips with guacamole. Blue Lander signs decorated the brick walls.The race between Lander, a first-time candidate, and Brownsberger, a stalwart of state Senate leadership, heated up this summer after Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Lander’s former boss, endorsed him in the race. Wu waded into two closely-watched state Senate races, in both cases targeting Democrats who have opposed her top legislative priorities.After bitter primary, Moulton concedes, tells supporters Markey has his ‘full support’ — 9:16 p.m.By Kaitlin Lewis, Globe StaffAt his campaign’s watch party in Dorchester, Moulton briefly took the stage to concede the Senate Democratic primary and told supporters that he called US Senator Ed Markey “to congratulate him on his victory.”“He has my full support as our Democratic nominee and we must stand united to protect our democracy and defeat Donald Trump,” Moulton said.Moulton also thanked his family, his staff, and supporters, and said he “could not be prouder of the fight we put on.”“We didn’t achieve our goal tonight but I am confident that because of this campaign, others will be inspired to buck the system when told to wait their turn,” Moulton added.Seth Moulton concedes US Senate primary race to incumbent Ed MarkeyUS Senate candidate Seth Moulton gave his concession speech Tuesday following his defeat in the democratic primary against incumbent Ed Markey. (Video by Von Smith/Globe Staff)Warren celebrates Markey’s projected win: ‘Double woohoo!’ — 9:06 p.m.By Kaitlin Lewis, Globe StaffMassachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren hailed Markey’s projected victory with a “double woohoo” on social media. The senior Massachusetts senator, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, and US Representative Ayanna Pressley were among the progressives who backed Markey’s reelection bid.Warren said in her post that Markey was “the best partner in the Senate that money can’t buy.”“Always proud to fight the good fight alongside [Markey],” she added.AP projected Markey would win primary with fewer than 5 percent of precincts reporting — 8:55 p.m.By Kaitlin Lewis, Globe StaffThe Associated Press projected that the 80-year-old incumbent would win the primary roughly half an hour after polls closed.Of note, Markey was up by roughly 40 points in Worcester against Seth Moulton in the minutes before the AP issued its projection. As the Globe’s Sam Brodey points out, Worcester was one of the closest jurisdictions in Markey’s 2020 win against former representative Joe Kennedy III, who ultimately won the city with 52 percent of the vote.Republican Mike Minogue will win GOP nomination to challenge Healey for governor, the AP projects — 8:48 p.m.By Chris Van Buskirk, Globe StaffMike Minogue, a former medical device company executive who poured millions of dollars of his personal wealth into the Republican primary for Massachusetts governor, will win the contest, the AP projected. He’ll face Governor Maura Healey, a Democrat, in November.Mike Minogue and Governor Maura Healey.Globe StaffMoulton supporters gather in Dorchester as Markey moves toward victory — 8:44 p.m.By Sam Brodey, Globe StaffSupporters of Representative Seth Moulton gathered in Dorchester as initial results roll in for Massachusetts’ US Senate primary election — and it did not take long for discouraging news to roll in for this crowd.Not long after polls closed at 8 o’clock, Senator Ed Markey was posting strong results in several jurisdictions.Inside an event hall at the Plumbers Local 12 building in Dorchester, friends, staff, and supporters of the Salem Democrat had been chatting and clutching drinks from the bar as an upbeat pop playlist played from speakers.As results came in, supporters gathered in front of a wall where a projector displayed NBC News’ live coverage. The room grew quieter as analyst Steve Kornacki announced that his network has called the race in favor of Markey — barely a half hour after polls had closed.Minutes later, the Associated Press projected Markey as the winner.Moulton is expected to speak to the crowd later in the evening.Supporters of Representative Seth Moulton at the watch party for the Democratic Senate candidate in Dorchester.Ken McGagh for The Boston GlobeMarkey will win Democratic Senate primary against Moulton, the AP projects — 8:31 p.m.By Sam Brodey and Samantha J. Gross, Globe StaffUS Senator Ed Markey is projected to win the often-bitter Democratic Senate primary against US Representative Seth Moulton, according to the Associated Press.Supporters of Senator Ed Markey react to numbers shown on the TV screen during the primary party for Markey.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe StaffMarkey supporters await results of Senate primary at downtown Boston watch party — 8:08 p.m.By Samantha J. Gross, Globe StaffAs the clock ticked closer to 8 p.m., Senator Ed Markey’s supporters and staffers filtered into a rooftop ballroom at the Omni Parker House in downtown Boston.The crowd snacked on cheese and crackers while they watched NBC News’ Steve Kornacki analyze the Senate race on TV. Among them was Sarah Zahed, 74, who lives next door to Markey in a Malden senior living building.The two met earlier this year while she was passing out literature in her neighborhood, she said.“He said ‘where are you going?’” she recalled. “Then he said ‘I want to take a picture!’”Zahed, who moved to Malden from California in 2015 to be closer to her grandchildren, said she likes Markey’s focus on environmental issues and his promise of a “Green New Deal.”“I’m a very strong believer that we have to save the planet,” she said.Healey wins Democratic gubernatorial primary, according to the AP — 8:06 p.m.By Kaitlin Lewis, Globe StaffMassachusetts Governor Maura Healey won the Democratic gubernatorial primary, according to the Associated Press, sending the first-term governor to the November ballot for reelection.Healey ran uncontested for her party’s nomination. She will face the winner of the Republican primary matchup between Mike Minogue, a former medical device company executive, and Brian Shortsleeve, a former MBTA executive under former Republican governor Charlie Baker.Polls close across Massachusetts — 8:00 p.m.By Kaitlin Lewis, Globe StaffPolls are now closed in Massachusetts’ state primary. Voters who are in line may remain in line and can still cast their ballots.The Globe is tracking live election results for races up and down the ballot. You can find results for all races here.See photos from polling stations and watch parties — 7:47 p.m.By Globe StaffPeople walk past the polling station at South Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library on Election Day.Meleck Eldahshoury for The Boston GlobeInside “The Playwright” before candidate in the Democratic primary, Stephen F. Lynch’s, election night watch party.Meleck Eldahshoury for The Boston GlobeRelatives of candidate in the Democratic primary, Stephen F. Lynch, Karen Oleari, and Kait Couturier put up plaques in preparation for his election night watch party on Election Day.Meleck Eldahshoury for The Boston GlobeTechnicians set up microphones at the election night party for Democratic Senate candidate US Representative Seth Moulton at the Plumbers & Gasfitters UA Local 12 in Dorchester.Ken McGagh for The Boston GlobeDavid Hogg wants to oust sitting Democrats. Stephen Lynch may be his biggest target. — 7:44 p.m.By Anjali Huynh, Globe StaffDavid Hogg ruffled feathers among Democrats when he pledged to put millions of dollars toward taking on longtime politicians within his own party in a bid to push younger, liberal candidates into office. His biggest test case may come Tuesday.The 26-year-old gun control advocate’s organization, Leaders We Deserve, has put half a million dollars toward unseating US Representative Stephen Lynch, the Eighth District’s 71-year-old unapologetically moderate incumbent who’s become one of Hogg’s top House targets this cycle.Hogg is funneling time and resources behind Patrick Roath, the 39-year-old lawyer and former Deval Patrick aide challenging the congressman. Hogg earlier this year headlined a fund-raiser for Roath in Dorchester, walked with Roath and college students along the Freedom Trail, and has papered the district with mailers. On Sunday, Hogg knocked doors in Roslindale with Roath, personally pitching that Roath would bring more fight against the Trump administration to Washington.“This race is not about Stephen Lynch’s age — it’s about his track record,” Hogg told roughly 40 Roath supporters in Roslindale, including state Representative Sam Montaño, Boston City Councilors Enrique Pepén and Ben Weber, and members of the Boston Teachers Union.Gun control activist David Hogg, left, leaves a Roslindale home while canvassing in support of Eighth Congressional District candidate Patick Roath, right, on Aug. 30, 2026.
Ken McGagh for The Boston GlobeREAD MOREMoulton leans on fellow veterans to get him in bid for the Senate — 7:40 p.m.By Anjali Huynh, Globe StaffUS Representative Seth Moulton has spent years helping fellow candidates with military service backgrounds get into Congress. Some are returning the favor in the biggest political fight of his career.Earlier this month, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill trekked to Greater Boston to participate in a roundtable on veterans’ issues alongside Moulton, but also to help boost the Marine veteran in the waning weeks of his primary challenge against US Senator Ed Markey.Her “full circle” appearance, as she put it, came after Moulton aided Sherrill through his Serve America PAC when she first ran for Congress in 2018. Several Serve America alums have backed Moulton in the final weeks of his Senate campaign, as polls show him trailing Markey by double digits — including among veterans, a University of Massachusetts Amherst/WCVB poll found.In July, four of Moulton’s House colleagues — Pat Ryan of New York, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, Seth Magaziner of Rhode Island, and Derek Tran of California — endorsed him after all of them were backed by Serve America during their own runs.Congressman Seth Moulton campaigned with New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill during a roundtable discussion about veterans at the American Legion Post.John Tlumacki/Globe StaffREAD MOREMarkey fields national progressives in final case against Moulton — 7:38 p.m.By Chris Van Buskirk, Globe StaffUS Senator Ed Markey called in the progressive cavalry Saturday to convince voters that his ideologies should matter more than his age in his race against Representative Seth Moulton, who has made generational change a key pitch in his challenge to the 80-year-old incumbent. During a rally at a Dorchester union hall only days before the state’s primary election on Tuesday, Markey fielded some of the nation’s most well-known progressive lawmakers to make the case that his track record in Washington should earn him another term in the Senate. That included Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who described Markey as someone who is “prepared to stand up to the greed, the irresponsibility, the arrogance of the billionaire class.” Senator Elizabeth Warren called Markey a “progressive, a fighter that Massachusetts can depend on.”“Are you ready to elect someone who has got the guts to stand up to giant corporate executives, to billionaires, to Republicans, to the president of the United States, and say enough screwing American families, we are here to fight back?” Warren said at the union hall.Senator Elizabeth Warren, Representative Ayanna Pressley, Senator Ed Markey, and Senator Bernie Sanders, left to right, wave to attendees during a Get Out the Vote event supporting Markey, Aug. 29, 2026 in Boston. Mark Stockwell/AP Photo/Mark StockwellREAD MOREFocus on incumbent Kevin Hayden heats up in Suffolk district attorney race — 7:34 p.m.By Sean Cotter, Globe StaffJust over four years ago, Kevin Hayden was a little-known name in Boston’s political circles. Then-Governor Charlie Baker had tapped Hayden, then the director of the state Sex Offender Registry Board, seemingly out of nowhere in January 2022 to serve in the high-profile role of Suffolk district attorney and to fill out the term of Rachael Rollins, who left to become Massachusetts US attorney.Hayden secured the position on his own that fall following a closely contested, brutal election in which he defeated a scandal-plagued opponent. Hayden also faced an ethics violation himself for using the office for mudslinging during the race, and his victory was widely credited to the opposition his opponent faced as much as an endorsement of him.Now, the onetime appointee of a Republican governor is the unlikely favorite of the Boston political establishment, heading into a winner-take-all Democratic primary with the endorsement of Mayor Michelle Wu, the city’s most prominent progressive Democrat.In that contest, voters for the first time will have an official say on Hayden with a full term on which to judge his track record as district attorney: They can send him back to office, or return to the progressive platform of Rollins, who is challenging him, or go with another candidate in Linda Champion, who is vowing changes from both of her would-be predecessors.Suffolk District Attorney Kevin R. Hayden speaks during a press conference.Finn Gomez for The Boston GlobeREAD MOREFacts don’t support Moulton’s messy Markey-Epstein allegations — 7:29 p.m.By Jackie Kucinich, Tal Kopan, and Sam Brodey, Globe StaffFor weeks, Representative Seth Moulton and his team have been pushing a narrative that his Democratic primary opponent, Senator Ed Markey, was somehow implicated in the Epstein files. Markey and his campaign have vehemently denied any association with the disgraced financier, calling the insinuation “reprehensible.”On Aug. 12, Moulton doubled down on his claims during an interview on Boston Public Radio. Host Jim Braude asked whether Moulton regretted asking Markey during their second debate earlier this month “why would [Markey] even take a meeting with a lobbyist on behalf of Jeffrey Epstein.” Moulton said no.“He met with a lobbyist hired for hundreds of thousands of dollars by Jeffrey Epstein to try to get his sex trafficking friend, this guy you are talking about in Senegal, out of prison,” Moulton said. Pressed by Braude for more details, he dodged by saying, “if you look at the emails, it’s very clear.”The Globe looked at the emails, fact checked the Moulton campaign’s claims, and spoke to the lobbyist who has been at the center of the allegations. The short version is, it’s not as “clear” as Moulton would like voters to believe.Senator Ed Markey and Representative Seth Moulton at the Boston 25and GBH News Mass. Democratic US Senate debate.Meredith NiermanREAD MOREMinogue supporters pack Medford beer hall ahead of polls closing — 7:25 p.m.By Chris Van Buskirk, Globe StaffMike Repetto, 64, of Reading, said he decided to back Michael Minogue in the Republican gubernatorial primary race because Governor Maura Healey, the Democrat incumbent, is “spending money like a drunken sailor.”“There isn’t fiscal responsibility,” Repetto said as he ate pizza and drank a beer.Repetto said he went to a Minogue rally at the Kowloon Restaurant in Saugus last week, where he said Minogue’s message was “very clear.”“He wasn’t decrying his competition so much as he was trying to say what he was going to do,“ Repetto said. “It’s easy to just say negative things about somebody, but you know, he put it out there that he had an eight-point plan on going forward with things.”Repetto was one of hundreds of Minogue supporters who packed a beer hall in Medford on Tuesday about an hour before the polls closed in Massachusetts. Minogue is running for the Republican nomination to take on Healey in November against Brian Shortsleeve, a former MBTA executive under former Governor Charlie Baker.Ken Doran, 73, of Lawrence, said he supported Minogue “because I believe in what he has to say.”“He believes in a lot of things that I do, and it’s time we got a new governor,” Doran said.Minogue won the Massachusetts Republican Party’s endorsement in April, and Shortsleeve has since feuded with party activists, who have tried to push him out of the race and to line up in support of Minogue’s candidacy.Amy Carnevale, the chair of the Massachusetts Republican Party, said party members are “really excited to turn the chapter and focus on the general election.”“We want to be talking about Maura Healey’s failures — a failure on the economy, failure on affordability, failure on energy issues,” she said at Minogue’s primary night event.Whalen says he’s ‘feeling good’ as he seeks an upset in Western Mass. — 6:55 p.m.By Jim Puzzanghera, Globe StaffJeromie Whalen, a high school teacher from South Hadley looking to upset US Representative Richard Neal in the Democratic primary, spent election day the way he’s spent most days during the campaign: driving around the First Congressional District in Western Massachusetts in his signature yellow van.“I’m feeling good. We put in a year and a half of work and we have a lot of people out,” Whalen, 39, said as he stood with volunteers in a light rain greeting voters outside the Greenleaf Community Center in Springfield about 6 p.m. His campaign dispatched about 200 volunteers to polling places around the district, he said.“From the get-go, this has been: can organized people beat corporate money?” Whalen said between waving to cars and responding with a thumbs up when drivers honked their support. “And this is the referendum that we have today.”Whalen said he has not taken corporate political action committee money, in contrast to Neal. It’s been one of Whalen’s pitches to voters as he tried to paint Neal, 77, a top House Democrat first elected in 1988, as being out of touch with his constituents.After starting the day greeting voters in South Hadley at 7 a.m., Whalen traveled around the district Tuesday. He said he didn’t plan to stop until the polls closed.“I’m going to keep on cranking until 8 o’clock,” he said.Jeromie Whalen (left) a Democratic candidate in the First Congressional District, joins supporters to greet primary voters at a Springfield polling place on Tuesday.Jim Puzzanghera/Globe StaffAnalysis: This face-off will test the generational change trend — 5:01 p.m. By James Pindell, Globe Staff If you pay attention to just one race during the Massachusetts primary today, make it the Massachusetts 8th Congressional District Democratic primary.The race features longtime incumbent Representative Stephen Lynch, 71, against lawyer and former Deval Patrick aide Patrick Roath, 39. The district includes parts of Boston and stretches south to Brockton.Eighth Congressional District candidate Patrick Roath, right, spoke as US Representative Stephen Lynch looked on at Chapman Middle School in Weymouth on Aug. 13.Ken McGagh for The Boston GlobeUnlike the other races today, this one cleanly follows the national script for Democratic upsets in 2026: Roath is the younger, more progressive and well-funded challenger. Lynch has tried to avoid giving his opponent much attention while calling his old political band back together.There has been no independent public polling in the race, so it’s anyone’s guess where things stand. Lynch has faced plenty of challengers from the left before and dispatched them easily. But this one feels different. Roath has built a better campaign than any of Lynch’s previous challengers, and the national mood among Democrats has lined up neatly with what Roath is selling.READ MORERepresentative Lynch says he’s confident at West Roxbury precinct stop — 2:32 p.m. By Tal Kopan, Globe Staff As he fights to stave off a younger, more progressive challenger, Representative Stephen Lynch projected confidence Tuesday as he greeted volunteers at a West Roxbury precinct.Representative Stephen Lynch of South Boston and State Senator Mike Rush greet volunteers at a polling place at Holy Name Parish School in West Roxbury on Election Day. Tal Kopan/Globe StaffDespite the slow trickle of voters amid drizzle in the lunchtime hour, Lynch said he wasn’t concerned about turnout.“It doesn’t bother me that it’s a little bit light here,” Lynch said. “It’s probably a result of most people voting by mail because it’s the Tuesday before Labor Day. … I think we’re gonna do well. I like my chances.”It wasn’t clear from voters if he’s right.Emily Engler, 47, an IT consultant from West Roxbury, said she backed Lynch’s challenger because of his more progressive positions. But she said the argument for generational change was more complicated, as she also backed Senator Ed Markey, 80.“I feel like we can have better representation than we’ve had from [Lynch], and so I was happy to have an alternative that felt like a good alternative,” Engler said.Markey votes in Malden, tells voters ‘we need to hear your voice’ — 12:24 p.m. By Samantha J. Gross, Globe StaffUS Senator Ed Markey and his wife, Dr. Susan Blumenthal, voted late Tuesday morning at the Irish American Club in Malden. The two walked into the polling location hand in hand, waving at a small group of supporters who gathered across the street.“Please get out and vote, everyone across the Commonwealth,” Markey told reporters outside the hall. “We need to hear your voice. We need to have your vote be counted today.”He added that he was feeling “very, very gratified by the response” from voters so far, including a few who dropped by to see the Senator despite voting elsewhere in Malden.“I just came here because I thought Ed Markey was going to be here!” said Helen Weitz, 74, of Malden. Moulton casts his ballot in Salem, projects confidence about primary result — 12:20 p.m. By Sam Brodey, Globe Staff Representative Seth Moulton, accompanied by his wife Liz and two young daughters, cast his ballot late Tuesday morning at his local polling site, the Mayor Jean A. Levesque Community Life Center in Salem.Speaking to reporters afterward, Moulton said his feeling as his US Senate campaign draws to a close echoes how he felt 12 years ago, when he pulled off an upset win over a Democratic incumbent, former Representative John Tierney.“I got a very similar feeling to today, where the polls said we were behind, but the energy on the ground, the voters who were just walking up to me… everyone wants change,” Moulton said. “They want new leadership, and I understand that frustration in Washington because I live it. It’s not fun. It’s not good. We need to do better.”US Representative Seth Moulton campaigned outside Cary Hall, the town hall and polling place in Lexington, Mass., on Tuesday.Lauren Feeney/Associated PressMoulton told reporters his day started around 4:30 in the morning, and he and his team have been making their way to polling sites and businesses, largely within his North Shore-based congressional district. Strong support from his home region, which he has represented for over a decade, would be a huge boost if he hopes to overcome Senator Ed Markey.A steady trickle of voters made their way inside the building to cast their votes. As the rain paused, Moulton and supporters held signs and waved to passersby on the sidewalk outside the community center.The congressman plans to do “just more crisscrossing the state” before polls close tonight.DOJ says it has monitors in Boston, Lowell, New Bedford — 11:58 a.m. By Matt Stout, Globe Staff Federal officials sent a dozen polling monitors to sites in Boston, New Bedford, and Lowell for Tuesday’s primary, the Department of Justice said.The presence of monitors is fairly routine. Federal personnel have observed voting in several Massachusetts cities in recent years, including during Republican and Democratic presidencies. In July, Harmeet Dhillon, an assistant attorney general for civil rights, announced plans to dispatch monitors to more than a dozen jurisdictions in six states, including Massachusetts and New Hampshire.On Tuesday, Department of Justice officials said they had deployed 80 monitors to eight states across the primary election season. That includes the 12 monitors in three Massachusetts cities, where officials said they would “ensure transparency, ballot security, and compliance with federal law.”The move, while common, had stoked concerns among some Democrats who have objected to the pressure campaign the Trump administration has been waging to exert more influence and control over how states manage their elections.That environment aside, Secretary of State William F. Galvin said at a news conference Thursday that the state has “never had an issue in the past” with the DOJ monitors.“They’ve told us where they’re going, we told them what we expect, but they’ve always understood that they could observe but they couldn’t interfere,” said Galvin, an eight-term Democrat. “That’s still the rule as far as we’re concerned.”Voters are dodging rain, movers, and, some say, a lack of ‘good choices’ on dreary Election Day — 11:01 a.m. By Matt Stout and Audrey Tomlin, Globe Staff On a dreary Election Day, the question is not just who voters will pick in the state’s primaries on Tuesday, but also: How many actually will bother?Those casting ballots Tuesday were met with steady rain in several parts of the state, and in some cases, few lines at their morning polling places. In Boston, many are also navigating the annual Sept. 1 move-in churn, and the primary’s timing — six days before Labor Day — could mean some are simply trying to enjoy the last gasp of summer before the school year begins.“I was so unsure. I waited until the last-minute,” Jeanne Blois, an 81-year-old independent voter from Wakefield, said as she ducked under an overhang at her polling location. She said she ultimately voted for US Representative Seth Moulton in the state’s US Senate Democratic primary over incumbent Ed Markey, but she didn’t do so confidently.Candidates signs seen on Dorchester Avenue on the day of the Massachusetts primary election.Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff“I didn’t think there were a whole lot of good choices,” she said. “I think we’re in trouble. And I did my best.”Secretary of State William F. Galvin said he expected 800,000 voters to cast a ballot in the state’s Democratic primaries, and another 280,000 to do so in the Republican races.Should those projections hold, nearly half of voters weighing in during the state primaries have already made their choices. Entering Tuesday, roughly 464,600 voters already voted early or by mail in the Democratic primary while 91,000 submitted a Republican ballot, according to Galvin’s office. Those account for about 11 percent of the state’s registered voters.Those in Boston who waited until today to vote will likely have to dodge rain drops throughout the afternoon. Local weather can have a “significant” effect on whether voters show up, according to a 2023 study that found that election day rainfall reduces turnout by 0.95 percentage points per centimeter on rain. And that can impact so-called marginal, or young, voters the most, the study found.By 9 a.m., about 33,500 had cast ballots around Boston, according to city data. That actually was about double the number who did so by the same point during the last statewide primary in 2022, when roughly 85,000 ultimately people voted in Boston and about 1 million did statewide.Outside the Jackson Mann Community Center in Allston on Tuesday morning, a few people stood outside campaigning for various politicians including Suffolk District Attorney candidate Linda Champion, Governor’s Councillor Mara Dolan, and state Senate candidate Daniel Lander in the rain.They wore clear plastic rain ponchos and carried umbrellas, waving their signs and their hands at passing cars.Healey casts her ballot, but won’t disclose her US Senate pick — 10:57 a.m. By Chris Van Buskirk, Globe Staff Governor Maura Healey cast her ballot in the primary election Tuesday morning. Who she voted for beyond herself, however, was unclear.Governor Maura Healey votes at the Hardy Elementary Schoo in Arlington.
Suzanne Kreiter/Globe staffHealey would not say who she voted for in the state’s marquee US Senate Democratic primary between Senator Ed Markey and Representative Seth Moulton. But speaking to reporters after casting her vote, the governor criticized the Republicans hoping to unseat her, Michael Minogue and Brian Shortsleeve.“My opponents … voted for Trump, funded Trump, think that Trump is doing a really good job,” Healey told reporters outside an elementary school serving as a polling location. Minogue and Shortsleeve have acknowledged voting for Trump. Minogue has also donated money to a super PAC that backed Trump’s successful 2024 campaign, federal election records show. But both candidates have also tried to distance themselves from the president. Minogue cast his ballot earlier in the morning at his polling location in Hamilton. He said people “are ready for a change” in the governor’s office. “We are tired of the political establishment. We need a new kind of governor that’s going to serve the people,” he said, according to an audio recording provided by his campaign. “Massachusetts is working for some, but not everyone.”Shortsleeve was scheduled to cast his vote at 11:30 a.m. near his home in Osterville, according to his campaign.Minogue has led Shortsleeve in polls heading into the primary election. Healey, however, has remained the frontrunner ahead of the November general election, with surveys showing the governor leading both men by double digits in hypothetical matchups.Will Markey’s ‘iPad’ moment bolster Moulton’s age pitch? — 10:00 a.m. By Samantha J. Gross, Globe StaffIt was a moment that Representative Seth Moulton’s Senate campaign had likely been waiting for. In the last televised debate between Moulton and Senator Ed Markey, the 80-year-old incumbent answered a question about his use of artificial intelligence in a way that felt rather, well, grandfatherly.“I use whatever is inside my iPhone or my iPad, whatever comes up,” Markey answered.In the moment, and the days afterward, Moulton pounced. On stage, he cast Markey’s response as evidence of the need for “a new generation of leaders to regulate these technologies.” His campaign quickly spread the clip on social media and sent out a press release post-debate. Then came a digital ad recapping the moment, titled, “The future is now.” But while Moulton, 47, has made Markey’s age a central part of his “pass the torch” campaign, those potentially viral clips illustrating his argument on the need for generational change have been otherwise rare. Markey, across three debates, regularly jostled with his younger challenger, lobbed well-rehearsed retorts, and, last week, was quick to note his support from even younger representatives.It’s all left some experts to question: Will the message ultimately break through?READ MOREIn deep-blue Massachusetts, more voters are ditching party labels — 8:30 a.m. By Kelly Garrity, Globe StaffDo you want to be a Democrat or Republican? Massachusetts voters are increasingly picking door No. 3: neither.Both major parties shed thousands of voters over the past 18 months, according to new data from Secretary of State William F. Galvin’s office. And the share of registered voters affiliated with each party has slipped, too. Democrats now make up about 24 percent of the state’s more than 5.1 million registered voters. Republicans have fallen below 8 percent, their lowest share since at least 1948. In turn, the state’s already outsized proportion of unenrolled (or independent) voters has hit a new high, accounting for just over 67 percent of the state’s total. That means there are even more voters who can opt to pull either a Democratic or Republican primary ballot on Tuesday. Galvin said at a Thursday news conference that he expects turnout for the primaries to be similar to, if not slightly exceed, that from the 2022 primaries.READ MORECandidate in Republican primary for Mass. governor casts vote in Hamilton — 7:40 a.m. By Globe Staff Daniel Sarch for The Boston GlobMichael Minogue, a candidate in the Mass. Republican gubernatorial primary, cast his vote this morning in Hamilton. Polls open across the state as voters make their way to the polls — 7:01 a.m. By Globe StaffPolls have opened across Massachusetts as voters look to cast their ballots in many primary races. See all the races voters are weighing in on across the state today. Find your local polling place here. A 39-year-old lawyer says voters want a stronger fighter against Trump. Can Stephen Lynch stave him off?By Anjali Huynh, Globe StaffOn the campaign trail in April for Massachusetts’ Eighth District congressional primary, 71-year-old Representative Stephen Lynch talked Trump cuts and term limits with seniors at Braintree’s Elder Affairs. Later that same day in Boston, his 39-year-old Democratic challenger, Patrick Roath, barreled down the perilous ‘Cop Slide’ on City Hall Plaza alongside a firebrand Gen Z gun violence activist.The age and style differences between the two candidates underscore a key dynamic animating the Democratic Party, even in safe-blue corners such as Massachusetts: Whether a tested old-guard or a youthful but inexperienced vanguard is best to meet the moment, both in terms of the party’s own struggles to connect with voters, and in confronting the Republican opposition.Congressman Stephen Lynch used the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, which had been postponed, in Abington to campaign on April 12.Lane Turner/Globe StaffLynch is pitching that his 25 years in the House and seniority on committees position him to deliver for his district and respond to a Trump-led White House. Roath, meanwhile, is singling out aspects of Lynch’s moderate record to argue that a fresh perspective is urgently needed to fight the Trump administration.READ MOREMarkey-Moulton’s closing arguments a final opportunity to create urgencyBy Sam Brodey and Kelly Garrity, Globe StaffThe outcome of Massachusetts’ Democratic Senate primary may hinge on whether it’s hit with a late injection of something the race has lacked: urgency.Since the beginning of the race, Democratic voters have largely been tuned out of the contest between incumbent Senator Ed Markey, of Malden, and challenger Seth Moulton, the congressman from Salem.Senator Ed Markey, D-Mass., spoke during a news conference at the Capitol in Washington, left, and US Representative Seth Moulton, D-Mass., spoke during a candidate forum.Uncredited/AP Photo/undefinedThe choices haven’t exactly galvanized primary voters. And with Democrats desperate to win a check on President Trump in the 2026 midterms by defeating Republicans elsewhere, the stakes of a blue-state Senate primary have seemed comparatively minor.As Markey bets it all on consolidating the most engaged of the core party base, Moulton is counting on a groundswell of support from outside the usual corners — which would require generating strong voter turnout.READ MORESamantha J. Gross can be reached at samantha.gross@globe.com. Follow her @samanthajgross. Jim Puzzanghera can be reached at jim.puzzanghera@globe.com. Follow him @JimPuzzanghera. Kaitlin Lewis can be reached at Kaitlin.Lewis@globe.com. Follow her on X @kblewey. Anjali Huynh can be reached at anjali.huynh@globe.com. Chris Van Buskirk can be reached at chris.vanb@globe.com. Follow him on X @byChrisVan Tal Kopan can be reached at tal.kopan@globe.com. Follow her @talkopan. Sam Brodey can be reached at sam.brodey@globe.com. Follow him @sambrodey. Emma Platoff can be reached at emma.platoff@globe.com. Follow her @emmaplatoff. Alyssa Vega can be reached at alyssa.vega@globe.com.
