You’d think a state like Massachusetts is a total "blue wall" lock where nothing ever changes. That’s the vibe, right? But looking at the Massachusetts 2024 election results, things got way weirder than just another landslide. Yeah, Kamala Harris won. She cleared over 61% of the vote. But if you dig into the actual numbers, there’s a massive shift happening under the surface that basically nobody is talking about.
It wasn't just about the top of the ticket either. We had five major ballot questions that essentially rewrote the rules for everything from high school graduation to how much your Uber driver makes. Honestly, the "Question 2" victory alone is going to change the lives of every student in the Commonwealth.
The Presidential Shift Nobody Saw Coming
Look, Harris took all 11 electoral votes. That was a given. She snagged about 2.1 million votes compared to Donald Trump's 1.25 million. But here’s the kicker: Massachusetts had one of the biggest "red shifts" in the entire country. We’re talking about an 8-point swing toward the GOP compared to 2020.
In places like New Bedford and Fall River, the margins were razor-thin. Fall River actually flipped for Trump by about 2 points. That’s wild for a state that hasn't gone Republican in a presidential race since Reagan. Even in deep-blue Boston, the "Trump 2024" numbers crept up. It’s a sign that the cost of living and housing prices are starting to trump—pun intended—traditional party loyalty in working-class cities.
The turnout was high, around 68%, but actually lower than the record-breaking 2020 numbers. Secretary of State William Galvin noted a dip in urban participation, while suburban and rural areas stayed pretty steady. It makes you wonder if people are just getting burnt out on the "it's the most important election of our lives" rhetoric every four years.
Elizabeth Warren vs. John Deaton
Down-ballot, the Senate race felt like a heavyweight bout that ended in a predictable TKO, but the rounds were scrappier than expected. Elizabeth Warren won her third term with about 60% of the vote. Her opponent, Republican John Deaton, leaned hard into his "crypto lawyer" and "scrappy underdog" persona.
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He didn't win, obviously. But he did manage to flip Bristol County. That’s a big deal because Warren hadn't lost a county in ages. Deaton focused heavily on "forgotten" voters, and while it wasn't enough to overcome Warren’s massive fundraising and name ID, it showed a clear blueprint for how a Republican can at least stay competitive in the Bay State.
The Ballot Questions: A Mixed Bag for Progressivism
The real drama was in the "Yes or No" circles. These were the issues people actually cared about at the supermarket.
Question 2: The MCAS Shakeup
This was the big one. Voters decided to scrap the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) as a mandatory graduation requirement. For years, students had to pass this standardized test to get their diploma. Not anymore. Now, it's up to the local districts to prove students met state standards through their coursework. Teachers' unions are celebrating; critics say we’ve just lowered the bar for everyone.
Question 1: Auditing the "Secret" Legislature
Massively popular. Like, 71% "Yes" popular. People basically gave State Auditor Diana DiZoglio the green light to audit the state legislature. Lawmakers hate it, claiming it violates "separation of powers," but the public is clearly fed up with the lack of transparency on Beacon Hill.
Question 3: Union Rights for Uber and Lyft
Rideshare drivers now have the right to unionize. It was a close one—squeaking by with about 54% of the vote. It’s a first-in-the-nation move that could set a precedent for the entire gig economy.
Question 4 & 5: The "No" Votes
Not everything passed. Massachusetts said "no thanks" to legalizing natural psychedelics (mushrooms). There was a lot of concern about road safety and unregulated "healing centers."
Voters also rejected Question 5, which would have gradually raised the minimum wage for tipped workers to the full $15 state minimum. Restaurant owners campaigned hard against this, arguing it would kill the industry and lead to $30 burgers. Apparently, the voters agreed.
What This Means for 2026 and Beyond
If you’re a Democrat in Massachusetts, the Massachusetts 2024 election results are a wake-up call. You can't just rely on the "blue state" label anymore. The working-class shift is real. If the GOP can find more moderate, "Baker-style" candidates who focus on the economy rather than culture wars, they might actually start winning some of these contested seats again.
The state's political landscape is shifting from a purely partisan divide to one based on geography and income. The "Greater Boston" bubble is staying blue, but the rest of the state is starting to look a lot more like the "purple" regions of our neighbors.
Actionable Insights for Massachusetts Voters:
- Check your local school board: With the MCAS graduation requirement gone, your local school committee now has way more power over what "graduating" actually means. Get involved in those meetings.
- Watch the Auditor: Diana DiZoglio now has a mandate. Follow her reports to see where your tax money is actually going in the State House.
- Gig worker changes: If you drive for Uber or Lyft, look out for union organizing efforts starting in early 2026. This will change your pay structure and benefits.
- Tipping culture: Since Question 5 failed, expect tipping culture to stay exactly as it is. No need to change your 20% standard just yet.
The 2024 cycle proved that even in a "predictable" state, the voters still have a few surprises up their sleeves. Keep an eye on the 2026 gubernatorial lead-up—the cracks shown in this election are going to be the battlegrounds of the next one.