New Poll Shows Ed Markey's Support Slipping in Deep Blue Massachusetts

Survey finds overwhelming desire for a new generation of leadership and significant opening for independent Republican challenger John Deaton

BOSTON, Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As Massachusetts voters turn their attention to the November general election, a new statewide poll commissioned by the Commonwealth Prosperity Fund reveals a striking appetite for new leadership and significant vulnerabilities for longtime incumbent U.S. Senator Ed Markey.

The poll, conducted July 26–28, prior to Tuesday's primary election, surveyed 1,200 likely 2026 general election voters. The results are being released following the primary to provide a look at the electorate and the political landscape heading into the general election.

The survey found only 29% who believe Ed Markey deserves re-election with just 15% saying Markey definitely deserves to be re-elected.

71% of likely voters say it is "Time For A New Generation Of Leadership, Even If It Means Replacing Longtime Officials." 

"These poll results are quite startling," said James Murphy, Chairman of the Commonwealth Prosperity Fund, the Super PAC backing John Deaton.

"By overwhelming margins, Massachusetts voters do not believe Markey deserves to be re-elected. After 50 years in Congress, Markey's time has passed. The voters want someone who understands their daily struggle to make ends meet. The status quo is simply not working for them."

The findings underscore a competitive general election environment in which voters appear less interested in preserving the status quo and more interested in finding a new generation of leaders focused on affordability, economic opportunity, and the everyday challenges facing Massachusetts families.

POLL METHODOLOGY

This was a probabilistic survey of 1,200 likely general election voters in Massachusetts, conducted by Cygnal on July 26–28, 2026, prior to the Massachusetts primary election. The margin of error is ±2.83%. Registered voters were interviewed via live calls and SMS text-to-web and weighted to a likely 2026 general-election-voter universe.

Commonwealth Prosperity Fund is a SuperPAC focused on advancing policies and leadership that promote economic opportunity, prosperity, and a stronger future for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

For more information, visit www.commonwealthprosperityfund.com.

Paid for by Commonwealth Prosperity Fund. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. www.commonwealthprosperityfund.com

SOURCE Commonwealth Prosperity Fund