What to know about the US primary election in Massachusetts

What the report says

Voters in Massachusetts are casting ballots on Tuesday in a primary election that features a closely watched Democratic Senate contest and several competitive House races. Al Jazeera reports that the statewide vote is testing the party’s progressive-versus-moderate divide, with incumbent Senator Ed Markey facing Representative Seth Moulton in the headline race.

Markey, a longtime progressive and former House member, is seeking another Senate term. Moulton, a six-term congressman and Marine veteran, is running on a call for generational change and has argued that Democrats need younger leadership to handle issues such as artificial intelligence. The article says Markey has pushed back by emphasizing his record on technology policy and broader safeguards for workers, children, civil rights and the environment. Recent polling cited by the outlet showed Markey with a wide lead.

Beyond the Senate contest, Democrats are choosing nominees in the 6th and 8th Congressional Districts. In the 6th District, contenders include Dan Koh, John Beccia and Tram Nguyen, with the winner set to face Republican Micah Jones. In the 8th District, longtime Representative Stephen Lynch is being challenged by progressive attorney Patrick Roath, and the winner will meet Republican Robert Burke in the general election.

The publication also notes that Massachusetts voters will decide other primary races, including for governor and the state legislature. Polls opened Tuesday morning and are scheduled to close in the evening, marking an important early gauge of where Democrats stand on ideology, age and policy direction ahead of the midterms.