Wu Endorsements Fail in MA Senate Primaries as Yu, Collins Win Close Races

Key points

• Nick Collins won the First Suffolk Senate primary with 54% of the vote against Latoya Gayle (43%) and Juwan Skeens (2%).
• Persis Yu defeated incumbent Mike Rush in the Norfolk-Suffolk district, securing 8,996 votes to Rush’s 6,714 in Boston’s Roslindale, West Roxbury, and Hyde Park.
• William Brownsberger narrowly defeated Daniel Lander in the Suffolk-Middlesex district, with Lander winning Boston but losing in Belmont.
• Mayor Michelle Wu endorsed Rush and Gayle, both of whom lost, while her endorsement of Collins did not prevent his victory.
• Kevin Hayden won re-nomination for Suffolk County DA, finishing ahead of Rachael Rollins.

Background

These primaries follow a period of tension between Mayor Michelle Wu and state legislators, particularly over property tax proposals. The 2024 primary saw Collins defeat Juwan Skeens by a wide margin, establishing his dominance in the First Suffolk district. The 2026 races highlight shifting dynamics between Boston and suburban voters, with candidates often winning in the city but losing in surrounding suburbs.

How outlets are covering it

Universal Hub emphasizes the close nature of the Yu-Rush and Brownsberger-Lander races, noting Yu’s victory despite losing in Dedham, Norwood, Westwood, and Walpole. It highlights the impact of Anthropic’s funding for Rush and the mixed results for Mayor Wu’s endorsements. Boston Neighborhood News focuses on the Collins-Gayle race, detailing precinct-level results and the role of Wu’s tax policy in Gayle’s campaign. It notes Collins’s strong performance in Savin Hill and Gayle’s strength in Dorchester. Both sources agree on the outcomes but differ in emphasis: Universal Hub highlights the broader political implications, while Boston Neighborhood News provides granular local analysis.

Why it matters

The results signal a potential shift in Massachusetts politics, with suburban voters potentially resisting Boston-centric policies. The failure of Mayor Wu’s endorsements for Rush and Gayle may impact her influence in state politics. The close races in the Norfolk-Suffolk and Suffolk-Middlesex districts suggest a divided electorate, with Boston and suburbs voting differently. The victory of Collins, who opposed Wu’s tax plan, may influence future state-level debates on property taxes and commercial burdens.

What to watch

The winners will face general elections in November 2026. The close margins in the Yu-Rush and Brownsberger-Lander races may lead to recounts or legal challenges. The outcomes will shape the balance of power in the Massachusetts state senate, potentially affecting legislation on property taxes, housing, and infrastructure. Mayor Wu may reassess her endorsement strategy for future races.