In the Massachusetts Democratic primary held Tuesday, several veteran incumbents demonstrated that advanced age was no obstacle to securing re-election. Senator Ed Markey, 80, alongside Representatives Richard Neal, 77, and Stephen F. Lynch, 71, all emerged victorious, each fending off challenges from younger candidates advocating for new leadership.

Markey, who has served in Congress for five decades, faced a notable primary challenge from Representative Seth Moulton, 47. Moulton positioned himself as a moderate voice calling for generational change but struggled to gain sufficient traction among voters. Despite concerns about Markey’s age, the senator successfully framed himself as the progressive candidate, emphasizing forward-looking policy ideas during the campaign. Markey also pledged to resign if he found his age compromised his ability to serve effectively. With his primary win, he is favored to retain his Senate seat in the November general election, potentially serving until he is 86.

Moulton’s campaign was hampered by his past remarks expressing skepticism over transgender athletes’ participation in youth sports. These comments became a focal point of Markey’s campaign messaging, galvanizing support from LGBTQ voters and framing Markey as the progressive choice. Moulton later issued a qualified apology for his statements, but the issue remained a defining factor in the contest.

In the race to succeed Moulton's House seat north of Boston, Dan Koh, a former White House aide under President Joe Biden, secured the Democratic nomination. Koh’s strategy notably included endorsements from Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris, a tactic that drew mixed reactions but ultimately proved effective. He defeated progressive state legislator Tram Nguyen and four other candidates. Given the district’s strong Democratic leaning, Koh is widely expected to enter Congress in January as a figure aligned with the current administration.

Meanwhile, Representatives Neal and Lynch both overcame progressive challengers within their districts, though by narrower margins than in previous races. Neal has represented western Massachusetts since 1989, and Lynch has served South Boston’s district since 2001. Massachusetts has not elected a Republican to Congress since 1994, and incumbents, many of whom are 63 or older, continue to enjoy strong electoral support.

Pollsters accurately predicted these outcomes. Surveys from Emerson College and the University of New Hampshire conducted in the final week before the primary correctly forecasted Senator Markey’s commanding lead. This accuracy stands out amid a broader polling industry criticism over recent misfires in other states’ Democratic primaries and general elections.

Overall, Tuesday’s results reinforce Massachusetts Democrats’ preference for experienced incumbents, signaling continuity rather than a generational shift within the state’s delegation.