University of Massachusetts Department of Political Science/YouGov
40%30%20%10%0%
33%
Republican
Charlie Baker
Republican
Charlie Baker
Massachusetts Republican Senate nominee?
$11.4K
SEP 16, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleOther
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyModerate Republican
Age69 years old (Nov 13, 1956)
GenderMale
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BackgroundPolitician
EducationHarvard College
Notable personal detailsCharles Duane Baker Jr. is an American politician and business executive who served as the 72nd governor of Massachusetts from 2015 to 2023. He became the sixth president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) on March 1, 2023. He previously led Harvard Pilgrim Health Care as chief executive officer and held senior roles in Massachusetts state government.
SourcesShowHide
nga.orgen.wikipedia.orgncaa.orgwikidata.orgbostonmagazine.combostonglobe.comsportsbusinessjournal.comnewenglandcouncil.comwashingtonpost.comncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.comdocs.house.govmurphy.senate.govhawley.senate.govcongress.govboston.comwbur.orgnfib.comnepm.orgframinghamsource.comwgbh.orgcbsnews.comtime.comontheissues.orgwcvb.comaxios.commass.govdailyenergyinsider.comcresenergy.comapnews.comseattletimes.comsfchronicle.comfoxnews.comsenate.govhistory.house.govjudiciary.senate.govcommons.wikimedia.orgupload.wikimedia.orges.wikipedia.orgmarkey.senate.govneal.house.govkatherineclark.house.govpressley.house.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Advocates targeted tax cuts and relief (renters, seniors, low-income earners, dependent/child credits, estate and capital gains reductions) while opposing broad-based tax increases such as a millionaire surtax. Policy proposals emphasize tax relief and pro-growth, business-friendly reforms rather than large-scale tax increases or wealth-redistribution measures.
Healthcare
Supports maintaining and improving the existing health care system in Massachusetts, including preserving the Affordable Care Act and MassHealth while pursuing cost-control and access reforms; opposes single‑payer/’Medicare for All’ proposals. Has overseen MassHealth reforms and federal waiver agreements to expand coverage and restructure Medicaid delivery in the state.
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Immigration & Border
Charlie Baker has repeatedly said the U.S. immigration system is broken and urged federal reform while supporting measures to enforce laws against criminal immigrants; he has also opposed family-separation policies and refused to send Massachusetts National Guard troops to the southern border. His record includes calls for expedited work permits for asylum-seekers and criticism of political stunts relocating migrants, alongside earlier support for programs prioritizing removal of immigrants convicted of crimes.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports a woman’s right to access abortion and has acted to protect abortion access in Massachusetts, while objecting to specific expansions such as loosening parental-consent rules for 16–17 year olds and some later-term abortion provisions. Has described overturning Roe v. Wade as a significant setback for women and signed/advocated policies to preserve reproductive health services in the state.
Climate & Energy
The candidate has supported state-level emissions reductions and clean-energy expansion, including legislation and plans to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, promotion of offshore wind and solar, and participation in regional carbon-reduction programs. Positions emphasize practical, market-driven solutions and state flexibility while advancing clean-energy investments and vehicle electrification targets.
Public Safety & Guns
Charlie Baker has supported expansions of gun-safety measures in Massachusetts, including signing an extreme risk protection order ("red flag") law and measures banning bump stocks while saying the state’s gun laws are a model for the nation. His actions indicate support for targeted firearm restrictions alongside statements about protecting lawful gun owners' rights.
Polls
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
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We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
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