By Bob Katzen

The House 25-132, rejected an amendment that would set the state primary date in Massachusetts four weeks earlier than currently. The state primary, under law, typically takes place in September on the seventh Tuesday preceding the biennial state elections. The amendment would move the date up to August, specifically to the eleventh Tuesday preceding the general election, essentially moving the date from early/mid-September around the Labor Day holiday weekend, up to early August.

“The amendment would have added a desperately needed change to our state elections,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Ken Sweezey (R-Duxbury). ”In 2026, our state primaries will be the latest in the entire nation which is a contributing factor to why we have some of the least competitive state level elections.”

“Setting the primary date four weeks earlier than usual not only would better align our schedule with other states but also would provide candidates with an additional four weeks between the primary and the general election, to help get their message out to the voters,” said House Minority Leader Brad Jones (R-North Reading).

Amendment opponents said the amendment is beyond the scope of the bill and should be considered as a separate piece of legislation that would be the subject of a public hearing.

Rep. Daniel Hunt (D-Dorchester), a supporter of the bill itself and a staunch opponent of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him why he voted against the amendment.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)

Rep. Christine Barber No Rep. Mike Connolly No Rep. Paul Donato No Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven No