Massachusetts 2026 Primary Poll: Sen. Markey Maintains Narrow Lead Over Rep. Moulton A new Emerson College Polling survey released in May 2026 reveals Democratic Senator Ed Markey entering his re-election campaign with a five-point lead over Democratic challenger Rep. Seth Moulton. The poll, conducted among Massachusetts voters, shows Markey at 37% support compared to Moulton’s 32%, with 29% of respondents undecided. Among registered Democrats, Markey holds a 13-point advantage, while Moulton edges unenrolled voters by 6 points. The survey highlights key demographic trends. Women favor Markey by 8 points (37% to 29%), while men are nearly evenly split, with 38% supporting Moulton and 37% backing Markey. Voters under 50 lean toward Markey by seven points (33% to 26%), whereas older voters (over 50) are closely divided, with 40% supporting Markey and 38% favoring Moulton. Notably, groups more favorable to Markey, such as women and young voters, also show higher undecided rates. Women are 10 points more undecided than men (33% to 23%), and 39% of voters under 50 are undecided compared to 21% of those over 50. Public opinion of the candidates reflects broader trends. Markey holds a 37% favorable rating statewide, with 35% unfavorable and 23% neutral. Among Democratic primary voters, 60% view him favorably, while 12% hold unfavorable opinions. Moulton’s favorable rating is 31%, with 26% unfavorable and 30% neutral. Among primary voters, 49% favor Moulton, and 11% oppose him. Governor Maura Healey’s approval rating stands at 45% favorable, with 35% unfavorable and 17% neutral. Senator Elizabeth Warren maintains a 48% favorable rating statewide, 35% unfavorable, and 14% neutral. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has a 45% favorable rating, 34% unfavorable, and 16% neutral.#emerson_college_polling #massachusetts #emerson_college #ed_markey #seth_moulton
California 2026 Poll: Swalwell Takes Lead in Governor Primary, 25% Undecided; LA Mayor Race Remains Uncertain A new Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics survey conducted in March 2026 reveals that Congressman Eric Swalwell leads the Democratic primary for governor with 17% support, followed by Steve Hilton (13%), Tom Steyer (11%), Chad Bianco (11%), and Katie Porter (8%). A quarter of voters, 25%, remain undecided in the open primary. Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, noted that Swalwell’s support among Democratic voters rose from 23% to 27% in the past month, while Steyer’s support among Democrats increased from 12% to 16%. Independent voters are largely undecided, with 39% showing no clear preference, while 12% back Swalwell and Hilton. Republicans are split between Hilton (38%) and Bianco (34%). The Los Angeles mayor’s race also remains wide open, with 51% of voters undecided. Incumbent Democratic Mayor Karen Bass enters her re-election campaign with 20% support, trailed by reality TV star Spencer Pratt (10%), Councilwoman Nithya Raman (9%), entrepreneur Adam Miller (4%), and housing advocate Rae Huang (3%). Kimball highlighted that Democrats are divided between Bass and Raman, with 27% supporting Bass and 14% backing Raman. Republicans, meanwhile, favor Pratt with 29% support. Independents, 67%, and 49% of Democrats and 37% of Republicans remain undecided, suggesting the race could shift significantly by June. Gavin Newsom, the current governor, holds a 45% job approval rating among California likely voters, up one point from February. President Donald Trump’s approval rating stands at 28%, while 64% disapprove of his performance. Karen Bass, the LA mayor, has a 24% approval rating among Los Angeles voters, with 47% disapproving.#los_angeles #emerson_college_polling #eric_swalwell #spencer_kimball #karen_bass
