Full Breakdown
September 2026 Primaries: A Snapshot of the Remaining Contests
8/27/2026, 12:35:06 AM
Overview of the September Primary Calendar
The 2026 primary season is entering its final phase, with four states still to hold their contests. Early-month primaries begin in Massachusetts and a Missouri city recall, followed by New Hampshire’s open congressional primaries, Rhode Island’s gubernatorial primary, and mid-month primaries in Delaware. Boltsmag’s election guide notes that these races include high-profile Senate and governor challenges, numerous down-ballot contests, and several recall votes that could shape state and local politics.
High-Profile Senate and Governor Races
In Massachusetts, former congressman Seth Moulton is challenging incumbent Senator Ed Markey, a contest that is expected to attract national attention. Rhode Island’s gubernatorial primary pits Helena Foulkes, a former corporate executive, against incumbent Governor Dan McKee. Both races are highlighted as the most visible contests among the September primaries.
Progressive Primary Battles Within State Legislatures
Democratic primaries in Massachusetts will determine the balance of power in the state legislature, with progressive challengers targeting lawmakers who opposed recent abortion-rights expansions. Conversely, Rhode Island’s primaries feature progressive incumbents who previously won insurgent campaigns now defending their seats against intra-party challengers. In Delaware, progressive activists are focusing on five Democratic legislators who supported a deregulatory bill backed by Elon Musk, seeking to replace them in the upcoming primary.
Down-Ballot Contests in New Hampshire and Delaware
New Hampshire voters will decide primaries for open congressional seats, adding a competitive element to the state’s early-month ballot. Delaware’s primary includes a contest to remove the state attorney general, who has faced repeated lawsuits from a local advocate, as well as a contested prosecutor’s race that could influence the state’s legal landscape.
Recall Elections and Local Stakes
A Missouri city will hold a recall vote on an official who supported a data-center project, while Delaware’s ballot also features school-bond measures in neighboring New Jersey. These local contests, though less prominent nationally, could have immediate impacts on community infrastructure and fiscal policy.
Collectively, the September primaries and recall elections represent the closing chapter of the 2026 primary cycle, with outcomes that may shift legislative majorities, alter state leadership, and affect local governance.
