AP Decision Notes: What to expect in the Massachusetts state primary

On Tuesday, Massachusetts Democrats will hold a state primary to determine the next head-to-head matchup between the party's moderate and progressive factions. However, this time, the progressive camp is rallying behind incumbent Senator Ed Markey, who is facing a more moderate challenger, U.S. Representative Seth Moulton.

Markey, who is 80 years old, is the second-oldest sitting U.S. senator seeking reelection in 2026. He was first elected to this position in 2013 after serving for nearly 37 years in the House. His last competitive primary was in 2020, where he defeated then-U.S. Representative Joseph Kennedy III with 55% of the vote.

On the other hand, Moulton is a six-term congressman who previously sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020. He will turn 48 years old in October. Markey has had a slight financial edge over the campaign, raising and spending more than $8 million compared to Moulton's $6 million.

The Massachusetts primary will also decide nominees for U.S. House, governor, and various state and local offices. However, the focus will be on the contest between Markey and Moulton, as it encapsulates the ongoing debate in Democratic primaries between progressive and moderate factions.