If you want a say in the future, make sure to vote Tuesday. Sure, it’s “just” the primary. But make no mistake, this is the vote that counts — that will almost surely decide who goes to Washington or Beacon Hill to represent you and your interests.
The winners of Democratic primaries have an overwhelming advantage in the November general election, because of the state’s overall Democratic lean and because the state Republican Party does not contest many seats.
This year, there’s a competitive statewide Democratic primary for US Senate, between incumbent Ed Markey and challenger Seth Moulton. Markey has been a legislative stalwart, but after 50 years in Washington and a rising tide of dissatisfaction with the aging Democratic party, it’s time for new faces. The Globe editorial board has endorsed Moulton, 47, currently the congressman for the North Shore.
Since Moulton is running for Senate, there’s also a primary for the congressional seat he’s vacating. In a crowded field, the Globe endorsed Tram Nguyen, a state representative from Andover who’s proven an adept legislator on Beacon Hill and should be able to bring those skills to Washington.
Another competitive congressional race is playing out in the district that includes parts of Boston and southern suburbs. Twenty-five-year veteran representative Stephen F. Lynch of South Boston faces a serious challenge from newcomer Patrick Roath of Jamaica Plain. The Globe endorses Roath, who would be a more energetic champion for the district.
In a rarity, many parts of Massachusetts also feature competitive district attorney races this year. District attorneys are the chief criminal prosecutor in their county. Because most voters never come into contact with the court system except for jury duty, they may not appreciate the power of the office, but DAs make life-or-death decisions. They decide who to charge with crimes, whether to cut plea agreements, and whether to give defendants second chances.
In Suffolk County, which includes Boston, Revere, Chelsea, and Winthrop, the Globe endorsed incumbent DA Kevin Hayden for reelection. Hayden is not an especially charismatic character, but his record speaks for itself: Crime in Boston is near record lows.
Marian Ryan has served as DA of Middlesex County, the sprawling region that includes Cambridge, Newton, and many suburbs to the north and west of Boston, for more than a decade. She’s been dogged by accusations of poor management and making publicity-driven decisions. One of her top assistants, David Solet, resigned in frustration last year and the Globe endorsed him in his campaign to replace her.
Norfolk County’s race is wide open, thanks to the decision by incumbent DA Michael Morrissey not to seek reelection. The office has been at the center of several overlapping controversies about questionable prosecutorial calls, and what it needs now is a leader who will rebuild public trust in the office’s legal competence. Although several candidates fit that bill, the Globe endorsed former federal prosecutor Adam Deitch as the best for the job.
Several state legislative races also have competitive primaries. One in particular is noteworthy: state Senator William Brownsberger faces a challenge from Daniel Lander to represent Belmont, Watertown, and parts of Boston and Cambridge. While Lander is a strong candidate, it’s a mystery why he chose to challenge one of the body’s most respected members. Brownsberger is one-fortieth of the Senate but provides a much greater percentage of its brainpower, and the Globe enthusiastically endorsed him in the Democratic primary.
On the Republican side, contested primaries are few and far between. But there is a race at the top of the ticket, where Mike Minogue and Brian Shortsleeve are battling for the GOP gubernatorial nod. The winner will take on incumbent Democrat Maura Healey in the fall.
The Globe editorial board believes that a seriously contested race in the fall would be good for the state, but that Minogue’s views on abortion put him so far outside the Massachusetts mainstream that his election campaign would be over before it starts. Shortsleeve supports abortion rights and is cut from the same cloth as other successful moderate Massachusetts Republicans like Charlie Baker. The state faces real economic challenges, and the Globe endorsed Shortsleeve in the hope that he can focus on them in the fall.
On Tuesday, registered Democrats and Republicans must vote in their respective primaries, but unenrolled voters — the bulk of the state — can vote in either primary (but not both).
For those unenrolled voters who choose a Republican ballot, we’d urge using it to steer the party back in the moderate direction that’s made it successful in the past. For those who vote in the Democratic primary, the choice on Tuesday is likely to prevail in November — so vote accordingly. In all likelihood, this is the vote that matters.
Editorials represent the views of the Boston Globe Editorial Board. Follow us @GlobeOpinion.