Healey and Markey win reelection in Massachusetts
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Sen. Ed Markey at his primary victory party in Boston, and Gov. Maura Healey at a press conference in Everett. Photos: Danielle Parhizkaran and Meleck Eldahshoury/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
Gov. Maura Healey easily won a second four-year term Tuesday, defeating Republican Mike Minogue and independent Andrea James, the Associated Press projected shortly after 8pm.
Why it matters: The state's first elected female governor returns to Beacon Hill with a renewed mandate to tackle the housing, energy and affordability crises that are most affecting life in the commonwealth.
What they're saying: "We need to create more jobs and grow our economy to make this a place where our young people can afford to stay and live and thrive," Healey said to the crowd gathered in Boston for Democrats' election night celebration.
- "Now, that starts with lowering your costs, and it's why we got to keep building housing, more homes," Healey said, echoing the cost-of-living arguments that have been at the heart of both her campaigns for governor.
Zoom out: Affordability dominated the race, but while Minogue credited the governor and Democratic lawmakers for the spike in the cost of living, Healey blamed the Trump administration and Republicans for surging costs.
Between the lines: Healey dominated Minogue in public polls throughout the race.
On the campaign trail, Healey counted wins during her first term on tax relief, health care costs and free community college.
- Minogue, a former Abiomed CEO and Army veteran in his first campaign, railed against state spending and utility costs.
The intrigue: In October, GOP running mate Shawn Oliver was arrested on an OUI charge and suspended his campaign but stayed on the ballot.
- Minogue said Oliver would not serve if the ticket won.
What's next: With such a solid win under her belt, Healey enters her second term as one of the most popular governors in the country.
Markey beats Deaton
Sen. Ed Markey won a third full term Tuesday, defeating Republican John Deaton, the AP projected.
Why it matters: Markey, 80, was first elected to Congress in 1976 and to the Senate in 2013.
- Markey beat Rep. Seth Moulton in the Sept. 1 Democratic primary by roughly 30 percentage points in a race that raised questions about his age and generational change.
What they're saying: "We can make Donald Trump accountable, and we can actually make America more affordable," Markey told reporters outside Democrats' election night celebration in Boston.
- Asked what should be on Senate Democrats' agenda next year, Markey emphasized restoring Medicaid and Affordable Care Act funding, and tax incentives for electric vehicles, wind and solar power.
His win keeps both the state's Senate seats in Democratic hands.
- Deaton, an attorney and Marine veteran in his second race for Senate, took about 40% against Warren in 2024.