Overview
- Multiple late-August polls show Sen. Ed Markey leading Rep. Seth Moulton by large margins with one University of New Hampshire survey putting Markey roughly 35 points ahead.
- Markey has consolidated progressive support and drew a high-profile rally in Boston with Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Ayanna Pressley to stress his policy record.
- Moulton has run on generational change and specific policy proposals for mental health, high-speed rail, and housing while courting independent voters and winning the Boston Globe editorial endorsement.
- Polls also report widespread voter doubt about Markey’s ability to serve a full term, with about 43 percent saying he probably or definitely could not meet the physical or mental demands of six years.
- The primary is Tuesday and early voting has already begun, with outside groups increasing ad and mail activity that could tip turnout among independents who may cross over to vote.