Local Races
What’s on your September primary ballot?
Massachusetts holds its state primary on September 1, 2026, when voters select each party’s nominees to advance to the November general election. Preview the offices and candidates that will appear on your ballot.
Senator in Congress
A U.S. Senator serves as one of two representatives elected to represent the entire state in the upper chamber of Congress.
Senators draft, debate, and vote on federal legislation; confirm presidential appointments, including federal judges, Cabinet officials, and ambassadors; ratify treaties with foreign nations; and conduct oversight of the executive branch. Each senator serves a six-year term, works to advance the interests of their state, holds hearings, and responds to constituent concerns.
Governor
The Governor serves as the chief executive of Massachusetts, leading the state’s executive branch and setting policy priorities for the Commonwealth.
The Governor signs or vetoes legislation passed by the state Legislature; proposes the annual state budget; appoints judges, department heads, and members of state boards and commissions; commands the Massachusetts National Guard; and represents the state in matters of federal and interstate affairs. The Governor serves a four-year term, works alongside the Lieutenant Governor, and responds to the needs of residents across the state.
Lieutenant Governor
The Lieutenant Governor serves as the second-ranking official in the Massachusetts executive branch, supporting the Governor and stepping in as acting Governor when that office is vacant or the Governor is unavailable.
The Lieutenant Governor serves on the Governor’s Council, chairs or sits on various state commissions, takes on policy initiatives and intergovernmental work assigned by the Governor, and assumes the duties of the Governor when needed. The Lieutenant Governor serves a four-year term and works alongside the Governor to carry out the administration’s priorities.
Attorney General
The Attorney General serves as the chief lawyer and law enforcement officer for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, representing the public interest and the state in legal matters.
The Attorney General enforces state laws; represents Massachusetts in court; protects consumers, workers, and residents through civil rights, environmental, and consumer protection efforts; issues legal opinions to state agencies; and oversees a range of investigations and prosecutions. The Attorney General serves a four-year term and works on behalf of residents across the state.
Secretary of State
The Secretary of State serves as Massachusetts' chief record-keeper and elections official, overseeing many of the state’s public functions and filings.
The Secretary administers state elections and voter registration; maintains public records and the state archives; oversees corporate and business filings; regulates securities; and publishes official information for residents and municipalities. The Secretary serves a four-year term and works to keep state government accessible and transparent for the public.
Treasurer
The Treasurer serves as the chief financial officer and banker for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, managing the state’s money and financial operations.
The Treasurer oversees the state’s cash and investments; manages state borrowing and debt; administers the state pension fund; runs the state lottery; and oversees programs related to unclaimed property and financial literacy. The Treasurer serves a four-year term and works to safeguard public funds on behalf of residents.
Auditor
The Auditor serves as the independent watchdog of Massachusetts state government, reviewing how public agencies and programs spend taxpayer money.
The Auditor conducts audits of state agencies, authorities, and programs; evaluates whether public funds are used efficiently and lawfully; identifies waste, fraud, and mismanagement; and issues recommendations to improve government operations. The Auditor serves a four-year term and works to hold state government accountable on behalf of residents.
Representative in Congress
A Representative in Congress serves the people of a specific congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives, the lower chamber of Congress.
A Representative drafts, debates, and votes on federal legislation; helps set federal spending and tax policy; conducts oversight of the executive branch; and serves constituents directly by assisting with federal agencies and bringing local concerns to Washington. Each Representative serves a two-year term and works to advance the interests of their district.
Governor’s Councillor
A Governor’s Councillor serves on the Massachusetts Governor’s Council, an elected body that reviews and approves certain actions of the Governor.
The Council votes to confirm judicial nominations, along with other gubernatorial appointments such as clerks, notaries, and members of certain boards; approves pardons and commutations; and authorizes some state financial actions. Councillors are elected from eight districts across the state, each serving a two-year term, and provide a check on the Governor’s appointment powers on behalf of residents.
Senator in General Court
A Senator in General Court represents a district in the Massachusetts State Senate, the upper chamber of the state Legislature.
A State Senator drafts, debates, and votes on state legislation; helps shape and approve the annual state budget; conducts oversight of state agencies; and serves constituents by responding to local concerns and advocating for their district on Beacon Hill. Each Senator serves a two-year term and works to advance the interests of the communities they represent.
Representative in General Court
A Representative in the General Court represents a district in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, the lower chamber of the state Legislature.
A State Representative drafts, debates, and votes on state legislation; helps shape and approve the annual state budget; conducts oversight of state agencies; and serves constituents by responding to local concerns and advocating for their district on Beacon Hill. Each Representative serves a two-year term and works to advance the interests of the communities they represent.
Register of Probate
The Register of Probate oversees the administrative operations of the county’s Probate and Family Court, managing the records and filings that pass through it.
The Register of Probate maintains court records for matters such as wills and estates, guardianships, adoptions, divorces, and other family and probate cases; processes and preserves filings; and helps ensure the public can access court services and documents. The Register serves a six-year term and works to keep the county’s probate records accurate and accessible to residents.