Fiscal Alliance Foundation poll shows appetite for lower taxes, affordable energy, and shaky ground for incumbents

The Fiscal Alliance Foundation released the results of a new statewide poll today of 750 likely Massachusetts voters, conducted September 24–25 by pollster Jim Eltringham of Advantage, Inc. The margin of error is ±3.6 percent at a 95 percent confidence level. The survey reveals strong public support for reducing the state income tax, opposition to rent control and costly NetZero mandates, and broad approval for expanding energy supply through natural gas and nuclear power. The poll also tested potential 2026 U.S. Senate matchups, showing Congressman Seth Moulton leading Senator Ed Markey, and asked about Governor Maura Healey’s strength in a reelection matchup.

Nearly two-thirds of voters, 62 percent, said they support cutting the state income tax from 5 percent to 4 percent, while only 24 percent were opposed. When asked about rent control, a majority of voters expressed opposition, with 53 percent against. Opposition grew even stronger, reaching 65 percent, when respondents were told rent control could lead to higher property taxes on homeowners. The opposition includes majorities from registered Democratic, Republican, and Unenrolled likely voters. On the state’s NetZero 2050 mandate, 54 percent opposed the policy when framed as resulting in higher energy costs and fewer options for consumers, while only about one-third supported it. The opposition includes majorities from registered Democratic, Republican, and Unenrolled likely voters.

On questions of energy supply, the results were equally clear. Sixty-two percent said they support building new natural gas pipelines in New England, and of those who responded favorably, more than four out of five of those voters said Massachusetts should lead the way. A majority also expressed support for nuclear power, with 51 percent in favor of building new plants and of those who responded favorably, 85 percent of those supporters saying Massachusetts should take the lead. The poll also found growing public concern with battery storage projects. When asked about these facilities, respondents expressed caution about safety, cost, and siting, signaling that Beacon Hill’s push for rapid, large-scale deployment is out of step with public sentiment.

The poll also looked ahead to the 2026 U.S. Senate race. When tested against Congressman Seth Moulton (D-Salem) , U.S. Senator Ed Markey trailed badly, with Moulton leading 43 percent to 21 percent. Nearly two-thirds of voters, 63 percent, said Senator Markey should not seek reelection in 2026, when he will be 80 years old. Congressman Moulton leads among Democratic voters, 38% to Markey’s 30%.

Governor Healey’s political footing also appears less secure than expected. While top-line results show her leading both hypothetical Republican challengers, independent voters (who make up the majority of the electorate) told a different story. Among independents, Mike Kennealy led Healey by a 43 percent to 33 percent margin, with 23 percent undecided. Similarly, Brian Shortsleeve led Healey 40 percent to 35 percent, with 25 percent undecided. These results underscore how vulnerable the Governor could be with the very swing voters who decide elections in Massachusetts. Kennealy and Shortsleeve’s results are within the margin of error from one another.

“Massachusetts general election voters are starting to show signs of consistent concerns when you ask them questions around affordability. You see that across the board, it’s a unifying message among Democratic, Republican and Independent voters. For politicians who are seeking reelection, it could spell trouble if you are not perceived as part of the solution to drive down costs,” stated Jim Eltringham of Advantage, Inc

“The numbers confirm a definite trend: voters want lower taxes, lower costs, and more affordable energy. They’re clearly tired of Beacon Hill’s out of touch, high-cost agenda. Nearly two-thirds want the income tax cut to 4 percent, and they overwhelmingly reject government imposed rent control schemes that would drive up property taxes for residential taxpayers. Majorities among Democratic, Republican, and Independent voters feel strongly about this issue when considering how it will impact their property taxes,” said Paul Diego Craney, Executive Director of the Fiscal Alliance Foundation.

“On energy, voters are making their voices heard loud and clear. They’ve seen the tip of the iceberg of the current administration’s costly energy agenda and they don’t like it. They support new pipelines and nuclear power to keep costs down and ensure reliability, and they do not want to sacrifice affordability for rigid NetZero mandates. Voters are also wary of untested battery storage projects being forced into their communities,” Craney continued.

“Nearly two-thirds of voters say U.S. Senator Markey should not seek another term. This number has grown since our poll in March. Congressman Moulton already leads him in a head-to-head matchup. The Senator would be eighty six by the end of a hypothetical new term; voters have seen what that looks like quite a bit over the last several years and it doesn’t seem to be something they’re interested in. Meanwhile, Governor Healey is showing real weakness among independents, who would prefer a new direction over her current policies. After years of higher taxes, higher costs, and costly NetZero mandates driving up energy costs, Independent voters are signaling they are open for change,” Craney concluded.

The poll also asked voters their views on Chapter 62F taxpayer rebates, public records reform, nicotine restrictions, and the job performance of Governor Maura Healey and other statewide leaders. Full toplines and crosstabs are available below.

Topline results available here.

Crosstab results available here.