University of Massachusetts Department of Political Science/YouGov
40%30%20%10%0%
33%
Republican
Charlie Baker
Republican candidate for U.S. Senate
Republican
Massachusetts Republican Senate nominee?
$64.2K
SEP 8, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds — Massachusetts Republican Senate nominee?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
0%chance to win
$64.2KSEP 8, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleOther
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyModerate Republican
Age69 years old (Nov 13, 1956)
GenderMale
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BackgroundPolitician
EducationHarvard College (BA, 1979)
Notable personal detailsCharles Duane "Charlie" Baker Jr. is an American politician and business executive who served as the 72nd governor of Massachusetts from 2015 to 2023. He later became president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), beginning in March 2023. Before serving as governor, he worked in Massachusetts state government and in the health care sector, including as chief executive of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.
SourcesShowHide
en.wikipedia.orgnga.orgwikidata.orgncaa.combostonmagazine.comm.wikidata.orgservices.baker.edulinktr.eede.wikipedia.orgncaa.orgncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.comarchives.lib.state.ma.usossoff.senate.govarxiv.orgcongress.govboston.combostonglobe.comwbur.orgnfib.comnepm.orgframinghamsource.comwgbh.orgcbsnews.comtime.comontheissues.orgwcvb.comaxios.commass.govdailyenergyinsider.comcresenergy.combostonherald.comon3.comsports.yahoo.comcommonwealthbeacon.orgdankennedy.netnbcboston.comlowellsun.comfacebook.comfinance.senate.govdocs.house.govmurphy.senate.govit.wikipedia.orgjustfacts.votesmart.orgcommons.wikimedia.orgupload.wikimedia.orgfec.govdocquery.fec.govpt.wikipedia.orgcdn.ballotpedia.org
Political 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.
Latest News
AINews Summary
Last updatedSep 2, 2026
Charlie Baker is being mentioned in coverage of Massachusetts Republicans as the party prepares for the 2026 governor’s race. The reporting says the GOP is still divided between Baker’s moderate wing and a more Trump-aligned faction, while Republican candidates are trailing Gov. Maura Healey badly in early polling. Other recent election coverage tied to Massachusetts focuses on mail voting rules and possible ballot changes, but Baker’s direct role in those developments is not clear from the summaries.
en.wikipedia.org+48
Articles
TBThe Boston Herald5 months ago
MassGOP searching for an identity this weekend
Neutral
QPQuincy Patriot Ledger6 months ago
Will Supreme Court limit mail-in ballots? What it would mean for MA
Neutral
NNewsweek6 months ago
Supreme Court Faces Major Decision Impacting 2026 Midterms
Neutral
MMassLive4 months ago
2026 midterm elections: 93% of races already decided
Neutral
Latest Polls
Recent polling results and the candidate's current average in the race.
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements
- Fundraising