The Massachusetts Republican Party firmly opposes the All Party State Primary ballot question. This misguided initiative would undermine core democratic principles by eroding the ability of political parties to select their own nominees, marginalizing smaller parties, stifling ideological diversity, suppressing general-election turnout, and amplifying the role of big money while disadvantaging grassroots efforts.
In practice, the proposal would impose a so-called jungle primary in which all candidates appear on a single ballot and the top two vote-getters advance to November regardless of party affiliation. Voters should reject this flawed measure and vote “NO” this fall to protect a primary system that delivers clear choices and preserves the integrity of competitive general elections.
The Massachusetts Republican State Committee passed the below resolution unanimously on January 30, 2026.
A Resolution to Oppose an All Party State Primary
WHEREAS, the All Party State Primaries Initiative would eliminate party-based primary elections in Massachusetts and therefore erode the Republican Party’s right to determine our own candidates; and
WHEREAS, the All Party State Primaries Initiative would eliminate the ability for the Republican Party to nominate a candidate for the general election by placing all candidates on a single “jungle” primary ballot, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election regardless of party affiliation; and
WHEREAS, jungle primaries systematically marginalize smaller political parties, reduce ideological diversity and weakens the democratic process by allowing for single party control; and
WHEREAS, jungle primaries suppress general election turnout when candidates from the same political party advance, thereby diminishing voter engagement and choice; and
WHEREAS, the proposed structure of top-two primary systems rewards candidates with institutional backing, increasing the influence of money in politics and disadvantaging grassroots and community-based campaigns; and
WHEREAS, jungle primaries undermine the purpose of the general election as a forum for democratic choice by eliminating the ability for parties to put forward a nominee;
THEREFORE, BE IT:
RESOLVED, that the Massachusetts Republican Party opposes the All State Party Primaries Initiative.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Massachusetts Republican Party encourages voters to vote “NO” on the question in order to preserve a primary system that supports clear, meaningful choices in general elections and our Party itself.