THE MASS BRIEF

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Smart, connected coverage of Massachusetts — every morning.

The Lead

Massachusetts voters will get a say on blowing up the primary system

The Supreme Judicial Court handed down a unanimous ruling Monday that clears the way for one of the most consequential ballot questions Massachusetts has seen in years: a proposal to scrap traditional party primaries and replace them with a California-style “top-two” system. Under the new format, every candidate — Democrat, Republican, Green-Rainbow, independent, whoever — would appear on a single September primary ballot. The two highest vote-getters, regardless of party, advance to November. Yes, that could mean two Democrats squaring off in the general election in a heavily blue district. Yes, that’s kind of the point.

The Democratic Party establishment tried to kill this before it even got to voters, arguing it was unconstitutional. Justice Dalila Argaez Wendlandt, writing for the court, essentially said: that’s not our call to make. The SJC’s job is to determine whether the proposal is a “reasonable regulation of elections” — and they concluded it is. Backers say they already have more than enough signatures to land it on the November 3 ballot, so barring something unexpected, this is happening.

Why does it matter? Massachusetts has some of the least competitive general elections in the country — most seats are decided in low-turnout partisan primaries dominated by activists on both flanks. Supporters say opening things up would give moderates and independents more sway. Critics — including many progressive Democrats — worry it would dilute third-party voices and scramble the left’s organizing power. Both sides have a point. Get ready for a very loud fall debate.

Full story at CommonWealth Beacon →

What Else You Should Know

🎤 Moulton goes on TV — and takes a shot at Schumer, not Markey

Rep. Seth Moulton dropped a seven-figure TV ad buy Monday in his Senate primary challenge against 79-year-old Sen. Ed Markey, leaning hard on his youth, his Marine Corps background, and his two young daughters. The spot conspicuously never mentions Markey by name, but takes aim at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer — a contrast Moulton has been pushing for months. Meanwhile, Markey told WBZ over the weekend that he’s open to a “discussion” about Senate leadership changes, which is either a pivot or damage control, depending on who you ask.

Boston Globe →

💉 Measles is surging nationally. Will Beacon Hill finally act?

More than 2,000 measles cases have been confirmed across the country so far this year — already approaching last year’s record annual total. That’s putting pressure on Massachusetts legislators to pass a bill that’s been filed four times since 2019: one that would eliminate the religious exemption from school vaccination requirements. Advocates say momentum is better than ever, but legislative leaders aren’t tipping their hand, and the end-of-session clock is ticking. Some schools in the state already have vaccination rates below what’s needed to prevent an outbreak.

CommonWealth Beacon →

🏛️ Brockton mayor’s harassment order lifted — but the story isn’t over

A Hingham District Court judge declined Monday to extend the harassment prevention order served to Brockton Mayor Moises Rodrigues two weeks ago. The judge called Rodrigues’ alleged touching of a 17-year-old student at a May parade “unwelcome, offensive, and certainly unprofessional” — but said it didn’t legally meet the bar to extend the order. Critically, the judge also described the teen as a credible witness and told Rodrigues to have no further contact with her. A separate investigation is ongoing, and this is far from the end of Rodrigues’ legal and political headaches.

GBH News →

🚇 Healey backs MBTA’s Eng despite hair-pulling incident

Gov. Maura Healey said she has “absolutely” full confidence in MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng, following last week’s revelation that Eng pulled a subordinate’s hair during a team dinner in November 2024. Eng addressed the incident publicly on Sunday, saying “I own the mistake” and that he’s “learned from that day” — while declining to say whether he underwent any workplace training afterward. The T has enough operational challenges without its top executive in the headlines for the wrong reasons.

Boston.com →

🌧️ Rain today — and it could dampen the World Cup

WBZ has issued a weather alert for a widespread 1-to-2 inches of rain across Massachusetts today — the most significant rainfall since St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Boston has been running 10 to 20 inches below average precipitation over the past year, so the relief is welcome. Less welcome: a second round of showers is expected to push through this evening, potentially hitting during England vs. Ghana at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro at 4 p.m. No severe weather expected, but pack an extra layer.

WBZ / CBS Boston →

Worth Your Attention

State House end-of-session crunch: The Legislature is barreling toward its informal summer recess, and several major bills — including the vaccine exemption measure and housing legislation — need to move now or wait until next year. Watch for floor action and leadership signals this week. CommonWealth Beacon →

World Cup at Gillette: England vs. Ghana kicks off at 4 p.m. today in Foxboro — see weather note above, and plan accordingly if you’re heading to the stadium. WBZ / CBS Boston →

Brockton mayor investigation: A separate investigation into Mayor Rodrigues’ conduct remains active; the court hearing Monday was specifically about the harassment prevention order, not the broader probe. More developments expected. Boston.com →

FY2027 Budget Tracker

Current stage: Conference committee reconciles

Governor's Budget (H2) — filed

House Budget (H5500) | 1744 amendments filed — house_floor

Senate Budget (H5501) | 1 amendments filed — conference

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