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Thompson Enters Race to Replace Moulton

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, February 7th 2026 at 10:01 GMT by Patch
      Locale: UNITED STATES

NEWBURYPORT, MA - February 7, 2026 - The race to replace outgoing Congressman Seth Moulton in Massachusetts' 9th Congressional District is heating up with the official entry of Newburyport resident Peter Thompson. Thompson, a Republican, announced his candidacy Thursday, adding another layer of complexity to a contest already attracting significant interest from both parties.

The 9th District, encompassing the North Shore and parts of Essex County, has long been considered a competitive swing district, making it a key target for both Democrats and Republicans. Moulton's decision not to seek re-election has opened the door for a wide field of aspiring politicians, promising a lively primary season and general election battle.

Thompson, a partner at the wealth management firm Thompson & Stoddard, frames his campaign around a core message of economic revitalization and prioritizing the needs of the North Shore communities. He stated, "I'm running for Congress because I believe we need a fresh perspective in Washington, one that puts the needs of the North Shore first." His platform focuses heavily on fostering economic growth through support for small businesses, a cornerstone of the region's economy, and a reduction in what he characterizes as burdensome government regulations. While details of his specific policy proposals are still emerging, Thompson's background in finance suggests a focus on fiscal responsibility and promoting a business-friendly environment.

Thompson enters a field that already includes prominent Democratic contenders. Sue Jenkins, a former Salem city councilor, brings years of local government experience and a strong network of support within the city. Dan Burgess, a state representative, offers a track record of legislative work and a deep understanding of the issues facing the district at the state level. On the Republican side, Robert Mayes has already established a campaign, presenting voters with a clear choice between different conservative visions.

The addition of Thompson significantly complicates the Republican primary. While Mayes has been campaigning for some time, Thompson's professional success and potential fundraising capabilities could quickly reshape the dynamics of the race. Political analysts suggest Thompson will likely appeal to more moderate Republicans and independents, potentially broadening the party's reach in the district. The primary will be a crucial test of which candidate can best mobilize the Republican base and attract swing voters.

The Democratic primary is expected to be equally competitive. Jenkins and Burgess represent different wings of the Democratic party, with Jenkins appealing to urban voters and Burgess drawing support from more rural and suburban areas. The primary winner will need to consolidate support across the diverse constituency of the 9th District.

Beyond the candidates' stated platforms, key issues are likely to dominate the campaign discourse. The ongoing concerns regarding the cost of living, access to affordable healthcare, and climate change are expected to be prominent themes. The future of offshore wind development, a particularly sensitive issue along the North Shore, will undoubtedly be a major point of contention. Furthermore, federal funding for infrastructure projects, including improvements to the MBTA commuter rail and local roads, will be a key concern for voters.

The September primary elections will serve as a crucial winnowing process, narrowing the field to one Republican and one Democratic nominee. The general election in November will then pit the two nominees against each other in a battle for the hearts and minds of 9th District voters. With a competitive field and a history of closely contested elections, the race for the 9th Congressional District is shaping up to be one of the most watched contests in Massachusetts in 2026.