Shockwaves in Massachusetts: Seth Moulton Surges Ahead of Ed Markey in Key 2026 Democratic Primary Poll

A political tremor is shaking the foundations of Massachusetts Democratic politics, as a groundbreaking Suffolk University/Boston Herald poll has unveiled a stunning development for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. The survey reveals that Representative Seth Moulton is currently holding a lead over the long-serving incumbent Senator Ed Markey among Democrats most likely to cast their ballots in a hypothetical primary contest.

This early peek into the political landscape indicates that Moulton, a former Marine Corps officer representing the 6th congressional district, commands 30% of the vote.

Senator Markey, a seasoned political veteran who has held various federal offices for decades, trails slightly with 27%. The most significant figure in this early snapshot, however, remains the colossal 38% of likely Democratic voters who are still undecided, leaving ample room for shifts and strategic maneuvering as the election cycle progresses.

The poll, which targeted 300 likely Democratic voters with a margin of error of +/- 5.66 percentage points, underscores a potential vulnerability for Markey, who last faced a competitive primary in 2020 against then-Representative Joe Kennedy III.

While Markey ultimately prevailed in that high-profile battle, these new numbers suggest that his position might not be as unassailable as once perceived, particularly against a well-known and ambitious challenger like Moulton.

Beyond the top two, the poll also tested other prominent Massachusetts Democrats.

Representatives Lori Trahan, Ayanna Pressley, and Katherine Clark each garnered 4% support, indicating a clear tier separation at this initial stage. State Senator John Keenan and former State Representative Paul Heroux registered 1% each, with another 1% choosing 'other'. This widespread distribution among lesser-known candidates further emphasizes the current focus on the Moulton-Markey dynamic.

Digging deeper into the numbers, Senator Markey's approval ratings among all voters stand at 46% approval to 34% disapproval.

While respectable, this figure dips significantly among independent voters, where his disapproval hovers around 40%. Crucially, among Democrats, Markey enjoys a stronger 60% approval, suggesting he retains a solid base, but perhaps not an enthusiastic one across the entire party spectrum. Moulton, on the other hand, registers 30% approval and 26% disapproval among all voters, a reflection of his more limited statewide exposure compared to Markey.

The poll also provides a broader context of the political mood in Massachusetts.

Governor Maura Healey continues to enjoy strong support, with 50% of voters approving of her job performance against 26% disapproval. President Joe Biden, however, faces a more challenging environment, with only 36% approval and 57% disapproval statewide, a sentiment that could indirectly influence Democratic turnout and enthusiasm in 2026.

These early results serve as a wake-up call for the Massachusetts political establishment.

While 2026 is still a significant distance away, the poll signals that the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate could be far more contested and unpredictable than many anticipated. The race is wide open, with a substantial portion of the electorate still waiting to be swayed, setting the stage for what promises to be an intensely scrutinized and engaging political battle.