Massachusetts voters on Tuesday returned Democratic Governor Maura Healey and U.S. Senator Edward Markey to office, delivering victories for two of the state’s most prominent Democratic leaders.
Healey defeated Republican challenger Mike Minogue to secure a second term as governor, according to projections by the Associated Press. Markey, meanwhile, won a third term in the U.S. Senate, defeating Republican John Deaton.
The Associated Press called both races shortly after polls closed at 8 p.m., signaling a successful Election Day for Massachusetts Democrats.
Healey’s victory continues her tenure as the state’s chief executive, a position she first won in 2022 when she became the first woman and first openly gay person elected governor of Massachusetts.
During the campaign, Healey emphasized her administration’s efforts to address the state’s high cost of living, housing affordability and other economic challenges. She also sought to portray Minogue as closely aligned with President Donald Trump, whose policies remain unpopular among many Massachusetts voters.
Minogue, an Army veteran and former medical-device company executive, campaigned as an outsider who could challenge the state’s Democratic political establishment and address concerns about government accountability.
Markey’s victory extends his lengthy career in public service. The 80-year-old senator, who has represented Massachusetts in the Senate since winning a special election in 2013, successfully navigated a competitive Democratic primary against Congressman Seth Moulton before facing Deaton in the general election.
Markey’s campaign focused on climate change, health care costs and protecting federal programs. His re-election also reinforces Massachusetts’ continued representation by a Democratic senator in Washington.
The victories come as Massachusetts voters consider a series of nine statewide ballot questions addressing issues ranging from public records and voter registration to marijuana policy and gun laws.
With Healey and Markey both winning re-election, Massachusetts Democrats maintain their hold on two of the state’s most influential political offices.
