MA Primary 2026 6th U.S. Congress Race: Dan Koh Tops Crowded Field In Democratic Race

SALEM, MA — Dan Koh emerged from a crowded field of candidates to succeed Seth Moulton as the Democrats' choice to represent the 6th Congressional District, as the former Biden Administration official and Andover Select Board member beat out five candidates in the race to represent the North Shore and Merrimack Valley.

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Moulton's decision to run for Senate opened up his Essex County seat in the House of Representatives to a crowded field of Democrats, including Koh, of Andover, State Rep. Tram Nguyen, attorney and business leader John Beccia, of Lynnfield, former State Rep. Jamie Belsito, of Topsfield, software engineer and Democratic Socialist Bethany Andres-Beck, of Middleton, and veterinarian and former Washington aide Mariah Lancaster, of Salem.

"We started this primary race in a crowded field of candidates, each one bringing their own experiences to the table," Koh told supporters on Tuesday night. "While we may have disagreed on the details, we all agreed on the direction: lower prices. A stronger democracy. And a government that puts working families in the Sixth District first.

"We'll need that shared spirit in the months and years ahead. Because let's face it: this is a scary time for our country. For our jobs. For our children."

The Associated Press called the race for Koh at about 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday night with Koh at about 42 percent of the vote, and Nguyen second at 30 percent, with about 62 percent of the vote counted.

"We have a bold message to sell — on health care, on child care, on gas prices and utility bills and housing bills," Koh said. "We need to persuade people that yes, there is a better way.

"So if you believe what I believe — that despite so many reasons to feel down, now is the time to double down on the fight for our democracy — then keep fighting with us. Keep dreaming with us. Keep building this campaign with us.

"We'll go anywhere, talk to anyone, and take up any fight to defend the America we know and love and to build a better future for our children."

Beccia's campaign said he called to congratulate Koh on the victory shortly after that time.

"My priorities during this campaign have been simple," Beccia said in a statement to Patch. "To help working families and create opportunities for all. We built the North Shore New Deal that focused on creating jobs, expanding affordable housing and healthcare, ending food insecurity and improving education and training. I was proud to put the working people of the North Shore first."

• MA Primary 2026 6th U.S. Congress Race: Dan Koh Tops Crowded Field In Democratic Race

Koh will now face Republican U.S. Army veteran Micah Q. Jones, of Essex, in the November general election.

"Congratulations to Dan Koh for earning his party's nomination for Congress," said Jones, who ran unopposed on the Republican ballot. "I look forward to a spirited debate on the issues that can actually make the North Shore and Merrimack Valley the best place to raise a family, start a business, and build a life.

"Voters are ready for an honest conversation about making life more affordable, supporting our military and first responders, creating pathways for our kids to stay and start their own families here, and restoring trust in our dysfunctional institutions. I am excited to engage in that discussion and look forward to a great general election campaign."