Massachusetts voters weigh Healey's record in 2026 governor race

Voters in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, began casting their ballots on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, as polling stations opened across Boston, Cambridge, Lynn, Quincy, Newton, and Somerville. Polls in the state are open from 7 a.m. To 8 p.m., though some municipalities may open as early as 5:45 a.m. This midterm election occurs halfway through President Donald Trump's second term, determining which party controls Congress for the final two years of his administration.

At the center of attention for local residents is the race for the Massachusetts governorship. Incumbent Democratic Governor Maura Healey is on the ballot, seeking to retain her position against Republican challengers. The governor's office is a key statewide contest in the 2026 cycle. Healey's candidacy is part of a broader national trend where Democrats are attempting to gain control of governorships, a position Republicans have held in a majority of states since 2010.

The Associated Press describes the election as a referendum on the current administration, with many voters expressing concerns about high prices and an unpopular war with Iran. Polling data indicates that 35% of U.S. Adults approve of President Trump's job performance, while 25% approve of his handling of the economy. Approximately 70% of respondents say the country is heading in the wrong direction. These national sentiments are likely to influence how voters in Suffolk County approach their local and state ballots.

In addition to the governor's race, Massachusetts voters are selecting a U.S. Senator. Incumbent Democratic Senator Edward J. Markey is running for re-election. Ballotpedia confirms that both the Democratic and Republican parties have candidates on the ballot for this seat. The outcome of this race is part of a national fight for Senate control, where Democrats need a net gain of four seats to achieve a majority in the 100-seat chamber.

Voters in the county are also deciding on all U.S. House seats in Massachusetts. The Associated Press notes that all 435 House seats are up for grabs in this midterm election. Republicans currently hold 218 seats, while Democrats hold 214. Democrats need a net gain of three districts to secure a majority in the House. The results in Massachusetts will contribute to this national tally, which determines the balance of power in the lower chamber of Congress.

The election also features several statewide ballot measures that will shape policy in the Commonwealth. Question 1 asks voters to make records held by the state legislature and the governor's office public records. Question 3 proposes eliminating political party primaries for state elections in favor of a single primary where candidates are listed regardless of party affiliation. Question 4 would provide for same-day voter registration, a change that could impact accessibility for voters in towns like Newton and Somerville.

Other ballot measures address specific policy areas. Question 7 requires cities and towns to allow single-family homes on residentially zoned lots that meet minimum standards of at least 5,000 square feet in area. This measure has implications for housing availability in densely populated areas of Suffolk County. Question 8 asks voters to repeal laws that permit the sale of recreational marijuana and personal cultivation of cannabis in homes, a significant shift in state drug policy.

Election officials in Massachusetts are managing a complex day of voting. The U.S. Postal Service has added hours, staff, and special lines to ensure mail ballots are counted on time. A federal judge temporarily barred the Trump administration from carrying out a plan to prevent noncitizen voting, a move that critics say risks disenfranchising eligible voters. These administrative decisions are part of a national effort to ensure the integrity of the election process.

Voters in Suffolk County are making their choices in the context of a highly competitive national environment. More than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing the early vote of four years ago in many closely watched states. This high level of early participation suggests a strong turnout is expected in Massachusetts. The results of the governor's race and the Senate contest will be closely watched as indicators of the state's political direction.

As polls remain open until 8 p.m., residents in towns across the county are heading to their designated polling places. The Associated Press notes that anyone in line when polls close is entitled to vote. The outcome of the 2026 midterms in Massachusetts will reflect the views of voters who are balancing local concerns with national issues, from the cost of living to the future of the state's leadership.

Democrats are cautiously optimistic about their chances in this election, while Republicans are bracing to lose the House and fighting to hold the Senate. The results from Massachusetts, including the governor's race and the Senate seat, will be part of this national picture. Voters in Suffolk County are playing a crucial role in determining the balance of power in Washington and the direction of state government in the years to come.