https://simplecast.com The 2026 midterm elections could prove to be a pivotal moment in U.S. history, and there are some major races playing out in Boston’s backyard, including battles that could tip the balance of the Senate. Every week, NBC10 Boston Political reporter Matt Prichard and analyst Sue O’Connell are breaking down breaking news, highlighting important trends and talking to the major players in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and beyond to keep everything in perspective for Election Day. 2026 NBCUniversal Media LLC, all rights reserved en Tue, 25 Aug 2026 15:24:01 +0000 Tue, 25 Aug 2026 15:24:11 +0000 https://www.nbcnews.com/ https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/d043b5af-ca6b-4b53-a848-6e6a1de85665/7b5f3dca-2016-4d8d-beec-f455f3eb7b47/3000x3000/20684455_taking_issue_podcast_image.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://www.nbcnews.com/ episodic The 2026 midterm elections could prove to be a pivotal moment in U.S. history, and there are some major races playing out in Boston’s backyard, including battles that could tip the balance of the Senate. Every week, NBC10 Boston Political reporter Matt Prichard and analyst Sue O’Connell are breaking down breaking news, highlighting important trends and talking to the major players in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and beyond to keep everything in perspective for Election Day. NBC10 Boston false https://feeds.simplecast.com/tOi4_wuL elections NBC10 Boston boston.web@nbcuni.com 0cbf3b1f-1610-4e2c-9c22-4aa44b4af7d7 Tue, 25 Aug 2026 15:24:01 +0000 boston.web@nbcuni.com (NBC10 Boston) https://www.nbcnews.com/ Full interview: Sen. Markey on primary, age in politics and more NBC10 Boston 00:18:24 Here's the full @Issue interview with Sen. Ed Markey ahead of his primary election against challenger Rep. Seth Moulton. Markey and Matt Prichard discuss his priorities for another term in office, his response to criticism over aging members of Congress staying in power, Republicans' criticisms of socialism going back to Social Security and Medicare. Here's the full @Issue interview with Sen. Ed Markey ahead of his primary election against challenger Rep. Seth Moulton. Markey and Matt Prichard discuss his priorities for another term in office, his response to criticism over aging members of Congress staying in power, Republicans' criticisms of socialism going back to Social Security and Medicare. false full 23 0343b6f8-ca9d-420c-9f0c-ba966531cf6c Sun, 16 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000 boston.web@nbcuni.com (NBC10 Boston) https://www.nbcnews.com/ Full interview: Rep. Moulton on primary, his Markey/Epstein claim and more NBC10 Boston 00:20:32 Here's the full @Issue interview with Rep. Seth Moulton ahead of his U.S. Senate primary election against incumbent Ed Markey. Moulton and Matt Prichard discuss his call for voters to give a new generation a chance, his recent accusation regarding Markey's name appearing in the Epstein files, whether Democratic Socialists have a place in the Democratic party and more. Here's the full @Issue interview with Rep. Seth Moulton ahead of his U.S. Senate primary election against incumbent Ed Markey. Moulton and Matt Prichard discuss his call for voters to give a new generation a chance, his recent accusation regarding Markey's name appearing in the Epstein files, whether Democratic Socialists have a place in the Democratic party and more. false full 22 58ea6e40-8c01-4b0b-b19c-50c410d4bde7 Sat, 15 Aug 2026 17:49:04 +0000 boston.web@nbcuni.com (NBC10 Boston) https://www.nbcnews.com/ Brian Shortsleeve on running for governor of Mass. NBC10 Boston 00:28:15 Brian Shortsleeve has dedicated part of his public life to service, with time in the Marines and leading the MBTA. And he’s worked in the private sector, building companies and creating jobs in the world of venture capital. Now, he’s running for governor of Massachusetts, and the Republican joined Matt Prichard on the “Taking Issue” podcast to lay out his vision to revitalize the state’s economy and streamline state services. Brian Shortsleeve has dedicated part of his public life to service, with time in the Marines and leading the MBTA. And he’s worked in the private sector, building companies and creating jobs in the world of venture capital. Now, he’s running for governor of Massachusetts, and the Republican joined Matt Prichard on the “Taking Issue” podcast to lay out his vision to revitalize the state’s economy and streamline state services. false full 21 9d77d281-a47b-4f8c-a54b-c44d66602f6c Mon, 10 Aug 2026 20:46:40 +0000 boston.web@nbcuni.com (NBC10 Boston) https://www.nbcnews.com/ A closer look at Massachusetts' primaries, one month out NBC10 Boston 00:33:03 NBC10 Boston’s Matt Prichard is joined by John Micek, politics editor at MassLive, as we take a closer look at the Massachusetts Senate Democratic primary debate between Sen. Ed Markey and Congressman Seth Moulton, the tight Republican primary in the Massachusetts governor’s race, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s political gamble to support challengers of two sitting state senators and the closely watched 8th Congressional District race between Rep. Stephen Lynch and Patrick Roath. NBC10 Boston’s Matt Prichard is joined by John Micek, politics editor at MassLive, as we take a closer look at the Massachusetts Senate Democratic primary debate between Sen. Ed Markey and Congressman Seth Moulton, the tight Republican primary in the Massachusetts governor’s race, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s political gamble to support challengers of two sitting state senators and the closely watched 8th Congressional District race between Rep. Stephen Lynch and Patrick Roath. false full 20 732e0a1b-b059-42c6-91ef-ad01c1ad7b84 Tue, 4 Aug 2026 22:26:42 +0000 boston.web@nbcuni.com (NBC10 Boston) https://www.nbcnews.com/ 6 Candidates for the 6th District: Meet Mariah Lancaster NBC10 Boston 00:28:05 Mariah Lancaster is a veterinarian by training who has spent the last several years as a civil servant in Washington — as a congressional staffer and a foreign service officer in the State Department. Politically, she identifies as a Democratic socialist, with progressive views on health care, student loans, clean energy and housing. Lancaster spoke to Matt about how her service on Capitol Hill could help her hit the ground running if elected as the Massachusetts 6th District's congresswoman. Mariah Lancaster is a veterinarian by training who has spent the last several years as a civil servant in Washington — as a congressional staffer and a foreign service officer in the State Department. Politically, she identifies as a Democratic socialist, with progressive views on health care, student loans, clean energy and housing. Lancaster spoke to Matt about how her service on Capitol Hill could help her hit the ground running if elected as the Massachusetts 6th District's congresswoman. false full 19 6a05ae53-d7e6-4a6e-8b57-7c8e0b22673a Mon, 3 Aug 2026 23:38:01 +0000 boston.web@nbcuni.com (NBC10 Boston) https://www.nbcnews.com/ Rep. Stephen Lynch on reelection, his primary challenger and more NBC10 Boston 00:28:47 Matt speaks with Rep. Stephen Lynch, who's running for reelection to continue a stretch in Congress that began in 2001. He shares what he sees in his background that makes him unique among his peers; his perspective on his primary challenger, Patrick Roath, youth and leadership; the state of ICE and what kind of law enforcement is necessary at the border; what the Democratic Party's priorities should be, including presidential impeachment. Matt speaks with Rep. Stephen Lynch, who's running for reelection to continue a stretch in Congress that began in 2001. He shares what he sees in his background that makes him unique among his peers; his perspective on his primary challenger, Patrick Roath, youth and leadership; the state of ICE and what kind of law enforcement is necessary at the border; what the Democratic Party's priorities should be, including presidential impeachment. false full 18 6012e6b9-ebfd-4889-9b14-42cc6f98618f Fri, 31 Jul 2026 19:06:32 +0000 boston.web@nbcuni.com (NBC10 Boston) https://www.nbcnews.com/ 6 Candidates for the 6th District: Meet Jamie Belsito NBC10 Boston 00:15:10 She's a former state rep., serves as Topsfield's town moderator and has a long track record in Washington, working behind the scenes to advocate for and obtain funding for maternal mental health issues. Jamie Belsito is taking a direct approach in identifying the problems with the 6th District, President Trump and divisive issues that the country is facing. Matt Prichard speaks to Jamie about her vision for the 6th District. She's a former state rep., serves as Topsfield's town moderator and has a long track record in Washington, working behind the scenes to advocate for and obtain funding for maternal mental health issues. Jamie Belsito is taking a direct approach in identifying the problems with the 6th District, President Trump and divisive issues that the country is facing. Matt Prichard speaks to Jamie about her vision for the 6th District. false full 17 9b19418d-53f2-4cc6-9c72-85acb96edafc Fri, 31 Jul 2026 19:01:42 +0000 boston.web@nbcuni.com (NBC10 Boston) https://www.nbcnews.com/ 6 Candidates for the 6th District: Meet John Beccia NBC10 Boston 00:15:15 John Beccia doesn't just have a catchy TV ad campaign centered around his last name, he's got a business record as co-founder of a financial services strategic consulting company. In his first run for public office, he's calling for a "North Shore New Deal" for residents of Massachusetts' 6th Congressional District. Matt Prichard asks him what's in it and his plans to deal with the gridlock in Washington. John Beccia doesn't just have a catchy TV ad campaign centered around his last name, he's got a business record as co-founder of a financial services strategic consulting company. In his first run for public office, he's calling for a "North Shore New Deal" for residents of Massachusetts' 6th Congressional District. Matt Prichard asks him what's in it and his plans to deal with the gridlock in Washington. false full 16 9b6bffa2-abfa-485a-91d4-c2ea707a3fef Fri, 31 Jul 2026 02:48:45 +0000 boston.web@nbcuni.com (NBC10 Boston) https://www.nbcnews.com/ 6 Candidates for the 6th District: Meet Bethany Andres-Beck NBC10 Boston 00:14:55 Bethany is a software engineer running for Congress, in part because of their concerns on how Congress addresses important technological issues, such as AI regulation and the impact of data centers on communities. Bethany is trans and is running as a Democratic socialist.tTey explain to Matt why solutions being offered by other Democratic socialists, like New York Mayor Zohran Mandami, could serve as the template for the Democratic Party and the nation in problem-solving. Bethany is a software engineer running for Congress, in part because of their concerns on how Congress addresses important technological issues, such as AI regulation and the impact of data centers on communities. Bethany is trans and is running as a Democratic socialist.tTey explain to Matt why solutions being offered by other Democratic socialists, like New York Mayor Zohran Mandami, could serve as the template for the Democratic Party and the nation in problem-solving. false full 15 07ca40b1-5ce9-4cb5-9880-6a62dc5073ef Fri, 31 Jul 2026 02:36:19 +0000 boston.web@nbcuni.com (NBC10 Boston) https://www.nbcnews.com/ 6 Candidates for the 6th District: Meet Tram Nguyen NBC10 Boston 00:19:20 Tram Nyugen has served as a Massachusetts state representative since 2019. If she were to win the race for the Sixth Distrct, she would be the first foreign-born women elected to Congress from Massachusetts. Tram arrived in the Merrimack Valley at age 5 as a refugee from Vietnam. In her career as an attorney and state lawmaker, she's worked on issues vital to immigrant families. She told Matt how that background informs her campaign Tram Nyugen has served as a Massachusetts state representative since 2019. If she were to win the race for the Sixth Distrct, she would be the first foreign-born women elected to Congress from Massachusetts. Tram arrived in the Merrimack Valley at age 5 as a refugee from Vietnam. In her career as an attorney and state lawmaker, she's worked on issues vital to immigrant families. She told Matt how that background informs her campaign false full 14 c61ae272-2d0c-4f07-b7d2-6c3235567435 Fri, 24 Jul 2026 18:28:40 +0000 boston.web@nbcuni.com (NBC10 Boston) https://www.nbcnews.com/ 6 Candidates for the 6th District: Meet Dan Koh NBC10 Boston 00:16:35 NBC10 Boston's Matt Prichard sat down with Dan Koh, former Biden White House official who also served as chief of staff to Marty Walsh when he was Labor Secretary and Boston Mayor. We talked about a host of issues, his plans to address the affordability crisis, how his previous work prepares him for this position and his call for President Trump’s impeachment and the reason he’s calling for it. NBC10 Boston's Matt Prichard sat down with Dan Koh, former Biden White House official who also served as chief of staff to Marty Walsh when he was Labor Secretary and Boston Mayor. We talked about a host of issues, his plans to address the affordability crisis, how his previous work prepares him for this position and his call for President Trump’s impeachment and the reason he’s calling for it. false full 13 072f9857-6e2a-4b7d-bb2d-edc35255b758 Sat, 18 Jul 2026 10:35:00 +0000 boston.web@nbcuni.com (NBC10 Boston) https://www.nbcnews.com/ Patrick Roath talks challenging Rep. Stephen Lynch in the primary NBC10 Boston 00:31:54 Matt and Sue speak with Patrick Roath, who's making his first run for political office by challenging a figure who is a legend in South Boston, Rep. Stephen Lynch, who has served Congress since 2001. It's a young vs. old, progressive vs. moderate race in a year when many suspect incumbents in both parties may be on their heels. Roath explains how he’s trying to appeal to Democrats of all stripes Plus, Matt and Sue discuss President Trump’s controversial address to the nation and what’s happening in the Democratic primary in the all-important Maine Senate race. Matt and Sue speak with Patrick Roath, who's making his first run for political office by challenging a figure who is a legend in South Boston, Rep. Stephen Lynch, who has served Congress since 2001. It's a young vs. old, progressive vs. moderate race in a year when many suspect incumbents in both parties may be on their heels. Roath explains how he’s trying to appeal to Democrats of all stripes Plus, Matt and Sue discuss President Trump’s controversial address to the nation and what’s happening in the Democratic primary in the all-important Maine Senate race. false full 12 d6e31f7e-a439-4e9c-9292-a8595290c1b4 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:45:00 +0000 boston.web@nbcuni.com (NBC10 Boston) https://www.nbcnews.com/ Who is Karishma Manzur? Meet the Democrat challenging Rep. Chris Pappas NBC10 Boston 00:27:21 Karishma Manzur, PhD, is challenging Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas and targeting big money in politics. What’s her plan of attack? She talks to Matt and Sue about her campaign and the poll that shows she’s making some progress in New Hampshire's Democratic primary for Senate. Karishma Manzur, PhD, is challenging Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas and targeting big money in politics. What’s her plan of attack? She talks to Matt and Sue about her campaign and the poll that shows she’s making some progress in New Hampshire's Democratic primary for Senate. new hampshire primary, new hampshire, democratic primary false full 11 1f6e59ed-a2b9-494f-a6cb-455f445b26ed Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:21:46 +0000 boston.web@nbcuni.com (NBC10 Boston) https://www.nbcnews.com/ Is this a better way for Mass. to hold its primaries? NBC10 Boston 00:22:15 In our latest pod, a debate over a ballot question that would change how party politics would operate in Massachusetts. The so-called “all-party primary” would replace our current system. Under it, a single, all-party primary would be held in September, in which all candidates would appear on the same primary ballot and all voters, regardless of party registration, would cast votes on that ballot. The two candidates who secure the most votes in the primary election would proceed to the general election, and the others could try to stay alive as write-in candidates. Matt and Sue speak with a supporter, former Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate and chair of the Coalition for Healthy Democracy Danielle Allen, and an opponent, Robert Kuttner, co-editor of The American Prospect and author of “Notes for Next Time: Surviving Tyranny, Redeeming America.” In our latest pod, a debate over a ballot question that would change how party politics would operate in Massachusetts. The so-called “all-party primary” would replace our current system. Under it, a single, all-party primary would be held in September, in which all candidates would appear on the same primary ballot and all voters, regardless of party registration, would cast votes on that ballot. The two candidates who secure the most votes in the primary election would proceed to the general election, and the others could try to stay alive as write-in candidates. Matt and Sue speak with a supporter, former Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate and chair of the Coalition for Healthy Democracy Danielle Allen, and an opponent, Robert Kuttner, co-editor of The American Prospect and author of “Notes for Next Time: Surviving Tyranny, Redeeming America.” primaries, voting, politics, massachusetts false full 9 993ef710-59c2-4857-8d8d-50e8b81ede52 Mon, 29 Jun 2026 20:05:30 +0000 boston.web@nbcuni.com (NBC10 Boston) https://www.nbcnews.com/ The one about the Mass. Senate race NBC10 Boston 00:35:23 Matt and Sue discuss the Massachusetts Senate race, including a look back at the unusual debate between Republican Senate nominee John Deaton and Democratic candidate Rep. Seth Moulton – which featured a good deal of conversation about the incumbent who didn’t take part, Ed Markey. Plus, Moulton’s new social ad featuring his wife directly address Senator Markey and the cell phone incident involving Moulton and an unidentified person. Plus, Friends on “Friends” looks at Episode 3 of the beloved sitcom. Matt and Sue discuss the Massachusetts Senate race, including a look back at the unusual debate between Republican Senate nominee John Deaton and Democratic candidate Rep. Seth Moulton – which featured a good deal of conversation about the incumbent who didn’t take part, Ed Markey. Plus, Moulton’s new social ad featuring his wife directly address Senator Markey and the cell phone incident involving Moulton and an unidentified person. Plus, Friends on “Friends” looks at Episode 3 of the beloved sitcom. false full 8 a837afa7-5e87-4c8f-93f4-6bcc89b5c419 Fri, 19 Jun 2026 19:49:22 +0000 boston.web@nbcuni.com (NBC10 Boston) https://www.nbcnews.com/ The one with Chris Pappas NBC10 Boston 00:30:37 This one with New Hampshire Democratic congressman Chris Pappas – the leading Democrat in the race to succeed outgoing Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Matt and Sue speak to him about the leadership among Senate Democrats, his political identity and how he has been successful in ‘purple’ New Hampshire. The third of three podcasts catching up with the most prominent candidates in the open NH Senate race. This one with New Hampshire Democratic congressman Chris Pappas – the leading Democrat in the race to succeed outgoing Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Matt and Sue speak to him about the leadership among Senate Democrats, his political identity and how he has been successful in ‘purple’ New Hampshire. The third of three podcasts catching up with the most prominent candidates in the open NH Senate race. false full 7 99d873e3-a7a6-4548-a1bf-4cdce2cddffc Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000 boston.web@nbcuni.com (NBC10 Boston) https://www.nbcnews.com/ John Sununu talks running for U.S. Senate again NBC10 Boston 00:34:12 Former U.S. Sen. John Sununu, R-N.H., joins Matt and Sue to talk about his bid to win the seat he once held after years away. They talk the war in Iran, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and inflation. Plus, Matt and Sue introduce a fun new segment that they’ll touch on moving forward. . Former U.S. Sen. John Sununu, R-N.H., joins Matt and Sue to talk about his bid to win the seat he once held after years away. They talk the war in Iran, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and inflation. Plus, Matt and Sue introduce a fun new segment that they’ll touch on moving forward. . false full 6 fd90bf77-640c-4c3b-8b4f-296772cc514b Fri, 5 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0000 boston.web@nbcuni.com (NBC10 Boston) https://www.nbcnews.com/ The importance of the Maine primaries NBC10 Boston 00:16:51 With the Maine primaries on Tuesday, NBC10 Boston Political Commentator Sue O’Connell spoke with University of Maine political science professor Mark Brewer about the unpredictable Senate primary – the vital race to replace outgoing Congressman Jared Golden, featuring the possible return of former Governor Paul LePage and the race for Maine governor, which features several familiar (last) names. With the Maine primaries on Tuesday, NBC10 Boston Political Commentator Sue O’Connell spoke with University of Maine political science professor Mark Brewer about the unpredictable Senate primary – the vital race to replace outgoing Congressman Jared Golden, featuring the possible return of former Governor Paul LePage and the race for Maine governor, which features several familiar (last) names. false full 5 68a58c90-c09c-4220-ba84-4d454608f535 Thu, 4 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0000 boston.web@nbcuni.com (NBC10 Boston) https://www.nbcnews.com/ Republican Scott Brown on why he thinks he can win the NH Senate race NBC10 Boston 00:19:29 Republican Scott Brown underscores his experience and service under President Trump, talking filibuster, war in Iran, energy dependence, cost of living, transgender sports matters and more as he makes his case for why he’s the best candidate for New Hampshire’s open Senate seat. Republican Scott Brown underscores his experience and service under President Trump, talking filibuster, war in Iran, energy dependence, cost of living, transgender sports matters and more as he makes his case for why he’s the best candidate for New Hampshire’s open Senate seat. false full 4 3a63a5ed-f86f-4a16-a827-b503fa0c0478 Tue, 2 Jun 2026 22:00:00 +0000 boston.web@nbcuni.com (NBC10 Boston) https://www.nbcnews.com/ Previewing the 2026 midterms in NH, including the blockbuster Senate primary NBC10 Boston 00:35:27 Matt and Sue talk all things New Hampshire with political analyst Scott Spradling, going in-depth on the Senate race, including both primaries. Also, the race for the 1st Congressional District seat, the challenge for Gov. Kelly Ayotte this fall and which potential presidential candidates Scott is looking for to plant the seeds for 2028 White House runs. Matt and Sue talk all things New Hampshire with political analyst Scott Spradling, going in-depth on the Senate race, including both primaries. Also, the race for the 1st Congressional District seat, the challenge for Gov. Kelly Ayotte this fall and which potential presidential candidates Scott is looking for to plant the seeds for 2028 White House runs. false full 2 e7775fdd-66be-496a-9112-17753dd35774 Tue, 2 Jun 2026 22:00:00 +0000 boston.web@nbcuni.com (NBC10 Boston) https://www.nbcnews.com/ 2026 Midterms: Why the whole country should be watching Maine's Senate race NBC10 Boston 00:25:10 A high-profile midterms race is playing out in Maine, where Democrats are hoping they finally have the momentum to unseat longtime incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins. But before they face her, the primary will pit Gov. Janet Mills and superstar newcomer Graham Platner against each other for the nomination. We dive into it now in @Issue: The 2026 Midterms. A high-profile midterms race is playing out in Maine, where Democrats are hoping they finally have the momentum to unseat longtime incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins. But before they face her, the primary will pit Gov. Janet Mills and superstar newcomer Graham Platner against each other for the nomination. We dive into it now in @Issue: The 2026 Midterms. false full 1 75656324-03cd-483a-838e-3d553389b56d Tue, 2 Jun 2026 22:00:00 +0000 boston.web@nbcuni.com (NBC10 Boston) https://www.nbcnews.com/ Analysis | Massachusetts' top races & what issues could become ballot questions NBC10 Boston 00:22:07 Matt and Sue look at some of the top races in Massachusetts this year, including the Governor’s race with MASSterList editor Gintautus Dumcius. Also, which of the proposed ballot questions could significantly change how business is conducted on Beacon Hill? Matt and Sue look at some of the top races in Massachusetts this year, including the Governor’s race with MASSterList editor Gintautus Dumcius. Also, which of the proposed ballot questions could significantly change how business is conducted on Beacon Hill? false full 3