THE MASS BRIEF

Markey and Moulton go into the final stretch, and the star power says everything about the strategy.

Senator Ed Markey spent Saturday surrounded by the biggest names in progressive politics — Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Ayanna Pressley — at a Dorchester union hall, betting that a full-throated defense of his 50-year record beats Seth Moulton's argument that it's simply time for someone new. Moulton, 47, was two towns over at Maria's Restaurant in Haverhill, making his generational-change pitch directly to voters over dinner rather than borrowing celebrity. It's a split-screen that tells you almost everything about this race: Markey is running on institutional muscle and progressive bona fides, Moulton is running against the idea that seniority equals value.

This isn't just about who represents Massachusetts in the Senate — it's a proxy fight over what the Democratic Party wants to be right now. Markey, 80, is essentially asking voters to view his age as a feature, not a bug, leaning on Sanders (84) and the argument that experience translates into leverage on climate and health care. Moulton is wagering that after watching the same cast of septuagenarian and octogenarian leaders for two decades, Democratic primary voters — especially younger ones — are ready for a change election, even against a fellow Democrat with a strong progressive record.

Whoever wins faces Republican John Deaton, who's running unopposed, in November. But Tuesday's outcome will send a signal well beyond Massachusetts about whether "generational change" is a winning message inside the party or just a talking point that sounds better than it polls. Watch turnout in places like Lynn and Haverhill — that's where this race gets decided. Full story at WBZ / CBS Boston →

A late endorsement scrambles the 6th District race. Mariah Lancaster, a veterinarian and former congressional staffer, dropped out of the crowded Democratic primary Saturday and threw her support behind state Rep. Tram Nguyen of Andover, calling her the candidate best positioned to fight for progressive values. It's the latest in a string of momentum for Nguyen, who's also picked up backing from Reps. Lori Trahan and Ayanna Pressley and Attorney General Andrea Campbell — all set to appear with her at a Salem rally today. Boston Globe →

A man died trying to help a woman at Forest Hills Station. Two 19-year-olds, both carrying Caribbean flags on their way to the Caribbean Festival at Franklin Park, were waiting for an Orange Line train Saturday when the woman lost her balance and fell onto the tracks. The man went down to help her and landed on the electrified third rail; he died from his injuries, and the woman was critically hurt. It's a gutting reminder of how unforgiving those platforms can be — and worth a hard look at whether MBTA stations need better barriers or faster emergency response. Universal Hub →

Rockland schools trim a $1.9 million deficit down to $1.6 million — but it cost real programs. The district eliminated health classes and building substitutes at the high school, cut librarian positions across the board, and rescheduled elementary specialists to close the gap, even after the town shifted employees to a new health insurance plan to save money. The silver lining: two new state literacy grants worth over $224,000 and an expanded Career Pathways program are giving Superintendent Jane Hackett something to point to besides cuts. South Shore News →

Marshfield's brand-new town administrator gets a to-do list — six days into the job. Ted Langill faced the Select Board this week as members hashed out first-year priorities focused on fiscal discipline, department efficiency audits, and rebuilding public trust, all against the backdrop of a September 1 override vote that will determine how much money the town actually has to work with. Chair Rick Smith and the board are clearly trying to set the tone early, before the override results scramble everyone's plans. South Shore News →

Two arrested after a tense SWAT standoff in Plymouth. Police say a man fled to a West Plymouth fire station early Saturday claiming he'd been slashed with a knife and held at gunpoint inside a Marc Drive apartment. When the alleged suspects wouldn't come out, Metro-LEC SWAT was called in and the building evacuated; both were eventually taken into custody without further incident. WATD →

A Roslindale gun arrest becomes a test case for Boston police's new drone. A gang-unit officer spotted Javeon Phillips, 23, of Roxbury — a man he recognized as wanted — crossing Washington Street Friday evening. When Phillips ran through backyards, police brought in a drone the department just started testing to track him down, and found him carrying a loaded gun. Universal Hub →

Tuesday, September 1: Massachusetts holds its statewide primary — polls open 7 a.m., close 8 p.m. — deciding the Markey-Moulton Senate race, the crowded 6th District primary, and other down-ballot contests. WBZ / CBS Boston →

Tuesday, September 1: Marshfield voters also decide a high-stakes override question at Marshfield High School's gym, which will shape the town budget the new administrator has to work with. South Shore News →

Today, Sunday: Rep. Tram Nguyen holds a rally in Salem with Reps. Lori Trahan and Ayanna Pressley, AG Andrea Campbell, and newly-endorsing former rival Mariah Lancaster, days ahead of the 6th District primary. Boston Globe →

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Yesterday's Biggest Contributions

Big Spending This Week

Data from the MA Office of Campaign & Political Finance

Full hearing schedule →

Recent filings with the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance:

Candidates

• Charles Bailey (Republican) — Senate, Norfolk, Worcester and Middlesex — Filed: 8/27/2026

PACs

• Western Mass Republicans, a Pol Action Comm — N/A, N/A — Filed: 8/25/2026

Ballot Question Committees

• Committee for Keep Cannabis Legal, Vote No on 8 — N/A, N/A — Filed: 8/28/2026

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