A new survey released by the UMass Lowell Center for Public Opinion reveals commanding leads for incumbent Democrats in Massachusetts, alongside deep voter skepticism toward national leadership and local technology expansion.
Conducted from Oct. 7 through Oct. 18 among 850 likely voters, the poll illustrates a challenging political environment for Republicans in the Bay State.
Dominant Leads in Statewide Races
In the race for U.S. Senate, Democratic incumbent Sen. Edward Markey holds a commanding 29-percentage-point advantage over Republican challenger John Deaton. Markey commands 55% support compared to Deaton’s 26%, with 12% of voters remaining undecided.
The gubernatorial race shows a similarly formidable margin. Incumbent Democratic Gov. Maura Healey leads Republican challenger Mike Minogue by 28 percentage points, capturing 57% of support to Minogue’s 29%.
According to John Cluverius, co-director of the Center for Public Opinion, the data points to a particularly steep uphill battle for the state’s GOP. “Massachusetts was already deep blue in presidential elections, but these poll results show an even worse environment for Republicans this year,” Cluverius noted, pointing out that crossover support from 2024 Trump voters has softened significantly for both Republican challengers.
A Clear Repudiation of Donald Trump
Beyond individual candidates, the UMass Lowell survey highlights a sharp local backlash against Donald Trump. A striking 74% of Massachusetts respondents disapprove of Trump’s job performance, while only 25% approve. This yields a net approval of -49, reflecting a worsening political climate for the former president in the state compared to previous cycles.
Broad Opposition to AI Data Centers
Voters in Massachusetts also found heavy consensus on industrial policy, specifically regarding the tech sector. According to the poll, 72% of respondents oppose the construction of AI data centers in their local communities, including 44% of voters who backed Trump in 2024. Furthermore, 52% expressed support for a statewide ban on data center construction and expansion.
Political Science Associate Professor Rodrigo Castro Cornejo, assistant director of the center, emphasized that this skepticism cuts cleanly across partisan lines, signaling a widening disconnect between rapid industry growth and public trust.
As the general election approaches, the UMass Lowell findings paint a picture of an electorate firmly anchored behind its incumbent leadership while pushing back against national political figures and unchecked local industrial development. Detailed methodologies and full topline results can be accessed through the UMass Lowell Center for Public Opinion
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