TribCast: A data center proponent makes his case
In this week’s podcast, former Public Utilities Commission member Will McAdams, president of the McAdams Energy Group, describes why he thinks data centers are necessary and shouldn’t be overly regulated.
Jasmine Crockett’s down-ballot slate starts to take shape as she steers clear of Senate race
The Dallas congresswoman has said she plans to focus on local races in Texas this fall rather than campaigning for James Talarico, who defeated her in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.
Tarrant County removes 92 polling sites ahead of November election
Historically a Republican stronghold, Tarrant County has emerged as a key battleground as voters narrowly supported Democratic candidates at the top of the statewide ballot in recent elections.
Progressive push hits wall against conservative Democrat in deep-blue district
Rep. Stephen Lynch, who has cultivated a relatively conservative reputation while representing Massachusetts for the past quarter-century, has defeated a well-funded progressive challenger. Patrick Roath, an attorney and one-time aide for former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, challenged Lynch from the left, outraising him by about $300,000. Lynch and Roath clashed over a number of issues on the campaign trail, namely immigration, healthcare, money in politics and housing. Lynch was one of 46 House Democrats to vote in favor of the Laken Riley Act, legislation requiring federal authorities to detain certain migrants accused or convicted of theft and other specified crimes. Roath, who supported dismantling and replacing ICE, cited Lynch’s support for the bill as part of his reason for entering the race. MEET THE FAR-LEFT INSURGENTS WAGING WAR ON THE DEMOCRATIC ESTABLISHMENT IN 2026 MIDTERMS Roath criticized Lynch’s support of the bill as “shortsighted and expedient” and argued that it “demonstrates a fundamental failure to take seriously the threat that the Trump Administration poses to all Americans.” Lynch acknowledged that the Laken Riley Act was “imperfect,” but defended his vote principally as a response to what he called an immigration system that was “completely out of control.” On healthcare, Roath supported moving toward universal, government-funded coverage and has backed Medicare for All, while Lynch has supported a public option and sharply criticized the role of for-profit companies in the hospital system. Lynch, notably, was one of just a handful of Democrats to vote against the Affordable Care Act. The congressman justified his vote by arguing that it provided too many concessions to insurance companies. AOC SAYS MAHA ADVOCATES’ FIGHT ‘ISN’T PARTISAN’ AS SHE BLASTS HEALTHCARE SYSTEM FOR FUELING ‘A TON OF ANXIETY’ While Roath ran as an outsider populist, Lynch attempted to challenge that posturing by pointing to the progressive’s career as a corporate lawyer. Before becoming a member of Congress in 2001, Lynch was previously an iron worker, union president and lawyer. Both Lynch and Roath managed to pull together an impressive coalition of supporters. The Boston Globe, David Hogg’s Leaders We Deserve, Indivisible, Massachusetts Teachers Association, Boston Teachers Union and American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts all endorsed Roath, while Lynch secured the backing of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, Iron Workers Local 7, Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts and the American Federation of Government Employees. In addition to falling within the context of the power struggle between the Democratic Party’s progressive and moderate wings, the primary in Massachusetts’s 8th Congressional District was also a generational battle. Lynch is 71 and Roath is just 39. ‘EXTREMIST’ AND ‘BARBARIC’: MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATS BREAK RANKS OVER NEW ABORTION LAW Despite his voting record, Lynch has said that his reputation as a conservative or a moderate is overstated. “Calling me the least liberal member from Massachusetts is like calling me the slowest Kenyan in the Boston Marathon,” he said in 2010. “It’s all relative.” While Lynch is conservative compared to his colleagues in the Massachusetts delegation, he has shifted to the left in recent years. Once a proud pro-life Democrat, the long-time congressman now defends Planned Parenthood and throws his support behind pro-abortion legislation. Massachusetts’ 8th Congressional District is heavily Democratic. Robert Burke, a retired telecommunications worker and small businessman, is the GOP’s nominee in the constituency.
One of Congress’ most powerful Democrats just survived a progressive primary revolt
The progressive push to unseat a veteran Democratic power broker fell short Tuesday, when Rep. Richard Neal defeated high school teacher Jeromie Whalen in Massachusetts’ 1st Congressional District primary. Neal, 77, has represented western Massachusetts in Congress for nearly four decades and has built considerable influence as the top Democrat on the powerful tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee. His 39-year-old challenger ran on a platform that included Medicare for All, higher taxes on the wealthy, abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and a pledge to reject campaign contributions from corporate PACs. The race tested whether progressive voters were ready to replace a longtime Democratic incumbent, even if it meant giving up the clout Neal’s seniority brings western Massachusetts. 2026 MIDTERMS: PRIMARIES, KEY RACES AND ELECTION RESULTS Whalen sought to cast Neal as a representative of the Democratic establishment unwilling to take on wealthy interests and corporate power, while pitching himself as part of a younger generation pushing the party further to the left. Neal, meanwhile, made his experience and position in Washington central to his case for re-election, arguing that his seniority gives the district influence in Congress that would be difficult for a first-term lawmaker to replicate. The contest also unfolded against a broader debate inside the Democratic Party over its aging leadership and whether longtime incumbents should step aside for a younger generation. Progressive stalwart Sen. Ed Markey, 80, defeated a more moderate challenger 33 years his junior on Tuesday night. MEET THE FAR-LEFT INSURGENTS WAGING WAR ON THE DEMOCRATIC ESTABLISHMENT IN 2026 Neal’s position on the Ways and Means Committee also gave the race significance beyond western Massachusetts. The panel sits at the center of congressional fights over taxes and other major economic policy. His victory also ultimately preserves the seat of one of the House Democratic caucus’ most senior members while turning back a challenge built around the argument that the party needs generational and ideological change. There is no Republican filed to run against Neal in the general election.
Biden-Harris favorite gets second shot at Congress, beats Squad-backed candidate
A former Biden administration aide just won a crowded primary race in Massachusetts, setting up a glide path to the House of Representatives come November. Dan Koh came out first among six candidates to replace Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., who ended his House tenure with a failed run for Senate against incumbent Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., that came to a conclusion Tuesday night. Koh had the backing of both former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris, which was no surprise after his stint working in the White House. He first joined the administration as chief of staff to then-Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and later became deputy assistant to the president and deputy director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. BIDEN INTERVENES IN DEM CONGRESSIONAL PRIMARY, WARNING ALL ‘WE DID TO HELP ORDINARY PEOPLE IS IN JEOPARDY NOW’ But his successful Tuesday primary is not the first time Koh ran for Congress. He narrowly lost the Democratic nomination in Massachusetts’ nearby 3rd Congressional District to Rep. Lori Trahan, D-Mass., in 2018. Koh is running on progressive campaign promises like abolishing “Trump’s ICE” referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and universal healthcare. He’s now poised to succeed Moulton in the 6th Congressional District, which includes the northeastern portion of Massachusetts and is rated a safe blue seat. HARRIS-BACKED DEMOCRAT SCRUBS BLM-ERA POSTS AS HOUSE CAMPAIGN HEATS UP Moulton, who served in the Marine Corps, has represented the district since 2015. His campaign for Senate has been marked by a bitter primary battle against Markey, an 80-year-old progressive who has been in office since 2013. Moulton, 47, ran his campaign based on generational change and arguing that Markey had long missed his chance to substantively make life better for Massachusetts residents, but that wasn’t enough to stave him off Tuesday. AOC ENDORSES SEN ED MARKEY AS INCUMBENT FACES DEM US SENATE PRIMARY CHALLENGE FROM REP SETH MOULTON Markey is backed by the far left’s marquee names, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. Meanwhile, Koh himself is a figure of the establishment left, with both his father and uncle also serving in the federal government. His father, Howard Koh, was an assistant secretary in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under former President Barack Obama. His uncle served under the Obama and Clinton administrations. Koh now moves on to face Republican military veteran Micah Jones, who is running in his primary unopposed.
Top Democrat survives double-barreled challenge as party’s Israel divide hits home
House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark toppled two progressive challengers Tuesday in Massachusetts’ safely Democratic 5th Congressional District, surviving a primary fight that put Gaza and pro-Israel political spending at the center of the race. Clark, who won handily Tuesday night against fellow Democratic Party contenders Jonathan Paz and Tarik Samman, was first elected in 2013 during a special election and has held her position as House Democratic whip since 2022. The second-highest ranking Democrat after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Clark has helped lead opposition to Republican spending, immigration and healthcare measures, including recent messaging against ICE funding and GOP cuts to Head Start and Medicaid. MEET THE FAR-LEFT INSURGENTS WAGING WAR ON THE DEMOCRATIC ESTABLISHMENT IN 2026 MIDTERMS She ran against former city councilor, educator and union organizer Paz and 27-year-old Harvard Law School researcher and union organizer Samman. Clark fended off two left-wing challengers who sought to make Gaza and pro-Israel political money central issues in the safely blue Boston-area primary. Her fundraising operation dwarfed both challengers, raising $4.5 million, while Paz raised $88,500 and Samman brought in $43,800, according to FEC filings. PELOSI-BACKED DEMOCRAT LOSES AFTER $10M FLOOD OF CRYPTO, PRO-ISRAEL MONEY While AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, endorsed Clark and has contributed to her campaign in the past, she has taken a critical stance toward the Israeli government’s handling of the war in Gaza. AIPAC is an influential pro-Israel lobbying group that has been criticized for advocating for U.S. military aid to Israel amid the war in Gaza. Last year, Clark used the word “genocide” at a district event before clarifying that she was not accusing Israel of genocide. Then, in July, she voted to cut $3.3 billion in U.S. military aid, saying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government had failed to meet U.S. interests and values. Clark has continued to support Israel as a sovereign Jewish state and backed U.S. assistance for some Israeli defensive systems but is critical of Netanyahu. TOP HOUSE DEMOCRAT SAYS ANTI-ISRAEL ACTIVISTS’ THREATS KEPT HIM FROM TOWN HALLS FOR A YEAR Samman and Paz have argued that while Clark has increasingly criticized Israel’s conduct in Gaza, she has yet to renounce the AIPAC money she has accepted. Clark ran unopposed in 2024. Her most recent general election opponent was Republican Caroline Colarusso, whom Clark defeated 74% to 26% in 2022.
House Democrat survives left-flank challenge as Bernie volunteer mounts insurgent bid
Rep. Jake Auchincloss advanced Tuesday against Jason Poulos in Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional District. Auchincloss has held his seat since 2021 and faced his first Democratic primary challenge since winning the seat. Progressive challenger Poulos is an AI policy researcher who has been critical of Auchincloss regarding past support for military aid to Israel and ties to AIPAC while calling for an end to U.S. military assistance to Israel. PROGRESSIVE WAVE CRASHES IN SUN BELT BATTLEGROUND AS MODERATE HOLDS HIS SEAT Poulos, who previously volunteered for Bernie Sanders’ campaign, ran on Medicare-for-all, universal basic income, taxes on corporate automation, stronger unions and student debt cancellation. He also wanted to reduce military spending and end U.S. military aid to Israel. While Auchincloss is endorsed by AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, he has been critical of aspects of Israel’s conduct in Gaza by saying some Israeli actions in 2025 “crossed lines” on humanitarian conditions. AIPAC is an influential pro-Israel lobbying group that has been criticized for advocating for U.S. military aid to Israel amid the war in Gaza. HOUSE DEMOCRATS FRACTURE BADLY OVER MASSIE AMENDMENT TO CUT $3.3B IN U.S. AID TO ISRAEL In July, Auchincloss voted with more than 100 House Democrats to eliminate $3.3 billion in U.S. military financing for Israel, while maintaining his support for the U.S.-Israel alliance. Auchincloss campaigned on lowering housing and healthcare costs, promoting economic growth and positioning Democrats to better confront the economic disruption caused by AI. Auchincloss, who succeeded Joe Kennedy III, comes from a prominent Boston medical family. He had previously been a registered Republican and worked on former Gov. Charlie Baker’s campaign, a line his primary opponents used against him. He later returned to the Democratic Party.
Trump taps ‘true warrior’ Hung Cao as Navy secretary after 4 months as acting leader
President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he is nominating acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to permanently lead the service, calling the former Navy special operations officer a “true WARRIOR” and urging the Senate to quickly confirm him. Cao has served as acting secretary for the past four months, overseeing the Navy and Marine Corps as the Trump administration pushes to expand U.S. shipbuilding and strengthen the military’s maritime capabilities. “I am pleased to nominate a true WARRIOR, Hung Cao, to become the next Secretary of the Navy,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “We need Patriots like Hung leading our Navy and Marine Corps, and I can think of no one better than him to make sure our Great Navy and Marine Corps remain the FIERCEST and BEST Force the World has ever seen,” the president continued. TRUMP PRAISES OUSTED NAVY SECRETARY PHELAN AMID TENSIONS WITH PENTAGON LEADERSHIP Trump called on the Senate to move quickly on the nomination, pointing to Cao’s tenure already leading the department. SENATE REPUBLICANS CONFIRM NEARLY 50 OF TRUMP’S PICKS FOR ENERGY, LAND MANAGEMENT “The Senate needs to confirm this Warfighter, ASAP, so he can continue the fantastic work he has been doing over the past 4 months,” Trump wrote. Cao thanked Trump shortly after the announcement and said his priorities would continue to include shipbuilding and homeland defense. AS CHINA TENSIONS LOOM, US TEMPORARILY PAUSES TAIWAN WEAPONS SALES DUE TO IRAN WAR, ACTING NAVY SECRETARY SAYS “Thank you, Mr. President. It’s an honor of a lifetime to lead the great warriors of the Navy and Marine Corps team,” Cao wrote on X. “I’m grateful for your leadership and support as we continue to get after shipbuilding and ensure the defense of the homeland.” Cao is a retired Navy captain who served for 25 years in uniform after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy. His military career included service in special operations and deployments to combat zones, including Iraq and Afghanistan. The Virginia Republican later entered politics, mounting an unsuccessful bid for Congress in 2022 before challenging Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine for his Senate seat in 2024. Trump endorsed Cao during the 2024 campaign, touting his military background. Cao ultimately lost to Kaine before joining the Trump administration and taking over the Navy in an acting capacity earlier this year. TRUMP TAPS ACTING LABOR SECRETARY KEITH SONDERLING FOR PERMANENT ROLE PENDING SENATE CONFIRMATION If confirmed by the Senate, Cao would formally assume responsibility for the Department of the Navy, which includes both the Navy and Marine Corps. The White House and the U.S. Navy did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.
Self-funded CEO claims GOP nomination to challenge Massachusetts Democrat’s second-term bid
Former medical device executive Mike Minogue won the Massachusetts gubernatorial primary Tuesday, defeating Brian Shortsleeve, a former executive at the MBTA, the state-run transit agency. The winner will now face favored Democratic Gov. Maura Healey, who is running for a second term. Massachusetts has had continuous Democratic representation in Congress since 1996, but Republicans have had considerably more success in races for the governor’s mansion since the Reagan era. Minogue emphasized his business credentials in campaign materials, citing his work at GE Healthcare before leading Danvers-based Abiomed. GOP GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE FIGHTING TO FLIP BLUE STATE UNVEILS HEALTHCARE PLAN TO LOWER COSTS, EXPAND ACCESS Minogue said that, while he was at Abiomed, the company developed the world’s smallest heart pump and doubled the size of its headquarters, increasing its in-state capabilities and creating jobs. Minogue also drew attention on social media when Boston-based Canadian American investor Kevin O’Leary, better known as Shark Tank’s “Mr. Wonderful,” appeared in one of his videos and said he does not usually “show for politicians.” “Massachusetts is ‘dead-money’ now. We need a guy like this to run the show,” O’Leary said in July. TRUMP KEEPS WINNING REPUBLICAN PRIMARIES; HIS LOSSES MAY BE MORE REVEALING According to The Boston Herald, Healey launched a last-minute ad attacking Minogue as “MAGA Mike,” which the newspaper said shows the executive “has Healey’s attention” and may help Shortsleeve. Minogue won the state’s GOP convention endorsement with 70% of the vote, while Shortsleeve earned his ballot position with a fraction of a percentage point more than the required 15%, according to reports. Minogue self-funded roughly $7 million of the more than $7.5 million he raised in the first quarter, hosted a fundraiser with Vice President JD Vance and has donated to Trump and the RNC. Shortsleeve raised about $646,500 in the first quarter of 2026. Healey was formally renominated Tuesday after running unopposed. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, a fellow Democrat, also advances unopposed to the November election. Republicans, however, have no candidates in about half of the state’s congressional districts or in the races for secretary of state and state auditor. A signature problem has forced lieutenant gubernatorial candidate Anne Manning Martin to run a write-in campaign. The district in the Berkshires, the district covering much of the Massachusetts Turnpike corridor, and two exurban Boston-area districts to the north and west have no Republican candidates competing Tuesday, guaranteeing Democratic nominees will advance in those races ahead of November. Massachusetts state government has not always been as reliably Democratic in modern times despite the conditions in this year’s contests. Former Gov. Charlie Baker, a moderate Republican, preceded Healey from 2015 to 2023. Former Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, served as Massachusetts governor from 2003 to 2007 and opted against re-election before launching an unsuccessful presidential bid against President Barack Obama. SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER Romney was preceded by several Republican governors. From 1997 through the end of Romney’s tenure, Republicans continuously held the governor’s office. Former libertarian presidential candidate Gov. William Weld, former Gov. Paul Cellucci and former Gov. Jane Swift were consecutive Republican governors. Swift was elevated to the office when Cellucci became then-President George W. Bush’s ambassador to Canada. Weld was preceded by 1988 Democratic presidential nominee Gov. Michael Dukakis, and Democrats more often held the governor’s office in the preceding era.