Contested Primaries Across Bristol County Could Shape November Ballot

The Massachusetts primary election is almost here, and Bristol County voters could play a significant role in determining who does and does not appear on the general election ballot in November.

Statewide Primary Contests to Watch

Incumbent Democrat Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll are unopposed on primary day and will carefully watch to see who their opponents will be in the general election.

Republican Mike Minogue, the convention-endorsed nominee for governor, faces a primary challenge from Brian Shortsleeve. New Bedford City Councilor Shawn Oliver is the only Republican ballot candidate for lieutenant governor. Anne Manning Martin has launched a write-in campaign. There will be no primary for lieutenant governor.

READ MORE: New Bedford City Councilor Shawn Oliver Announces Bid for Lieutenant Governor

Once the candidates are determined, voters will finally get some debates.

There are no primary races for Secretary of State, Auditor, or Attorney General.

Incumbent Democrat U.S. Senator Ed Markey faces a primary challenge from Representative Seth Moulton. The winner faces Republican John Deaton in November.

READ MORE: Sparks Fly as Moulton and Markey Debate

Several primary races in Bristol County are worth watching.

What Bristol County Voters Should Know About The Massachusetts Primary Election

Key Legislative and District Showdowns in Bristol County

Incumbent 9th Bristol District Rep. Chris Markey is running for the open Bristol County District Attorney's seat, setting up primaries between two Democrats, Edward Pacheco and Stephen Medeiros, and two Republicans, Henry Bousquet and Chester Tam. The winners of each will square off in November.

READ MORE: Chris Markey Won't Seek Re-Election, Expected to Run for D.A.

In the 8th Bristol District, Republicans Jesse St. Gelais and Christopher Thrasher battle it out in a primary contest for the right to challenge incumbent Democrat Rep. Steve Oulette in the general election.

Gabriel "Boomer" Amaral and Manny Silva square off in a Republican primary, the winner of which will face incumbent Democrat First Bristol and Plymouth Sen. Michael Rodrigues in November.

In Taunton, Democrat Rep. Lisa Field is seeking a full term in the 3rd Bristol District after winning last year's special election by 15 votes following a recount against Republican Larry Quintal. Field must beat back a primary challenge from former Taunton Police Chief Edward Walsh if she is to have a rematch with Quintal in the general election.

Incumbent 9th District Congressman Democrat Bill Keating faces a primary challenge from New Bedford's Craig Swallow.

Important Voting and Election Logistics

Several races with no primary election contests will appear on the November 3 general election ballot, as will nine ballot questions. We'll have more on the final matchups and the ballot questions in a future post.

Primary election day in Massachusetts is on September 1, 2026. Check your city or town hall for information about in-person early voting options.