Progressive Senate candidates rack up primary wins even as they get outspent

Key Points:

• Progressive Senate candidates have won several primaries recently despite being heavily outspent, exemplified by Sen. Ed Markey's victory in Massachusetts despite a nearly 2-1 ad spending disadvantage against Rep. Seth Moulton.
• Other notable progressive wins include Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, Peggy Flanagan in Minnesota, and Angie Nixon in Florida, all overcoming significant financial disadvantages in their campaigns.
• Massachusetts incumbents Sen. Ed Markey, Rep. Stephen Lynch, and Rep. Richard Neal survived primary challenges but with less than 60% support, reflecting a broader trend of increased vulnerability for House Democratic incumbents in 2026 primaries.
• The pro-Trump group Securing American Greatness has launched nearly $1 million in national cable ads promoting President Trump, highlighting his leadership qualities and policy priorities ahead of the midterm elections.
• Trump is actively engaging in campaign activities, including hosting a Rose Garden dinner for Republican lawmakers in competitive races and planning a campaign trip to Alaska to support GOP Sen. Dan Sullivan in the upcoming ranked choice election.