GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

Among the primary races in Massachusetts Sept. 1, voters will pick the Democratic state representative candidate for the 5th Hampden District (the city of Holyoke and one ward in the city of Chicopee). Political consultant Dori Dean is running to unseat the incumbent, State Representative Pat Duffy.

Longtime state Rep. Angelo Puppolo faces first-time candidate Michael Lachenmeyer in the Sept. 1 primary.

With primary elections only a few days away, voters in the 11th Hampden District will get to decide who they want to best represent them on Beacon Hill. NEPM spoke with the candidates about their plans if elected.

We speak with Seth Moulton, challenger to incumbent Ed Markey for U.S. Senate, learn more about this Friday's Latino Arts Festival, and learn about folk etymology with Word Nerd Peter Sokolowski.

The 1st Berkshire district represents the northern part of Berkshire County, including the towns of North Adams, Williamstown, and Lanesborough.

We speak with 1st Franklin State Rep. candidate Lora Wondolowski, learn about Kushi Farm and the North Hadley Chili Pepper Co., and find out about the 4th annual Latino Arts Festival.

Longtime U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, is facing a primary challenger in Jeromie Whalen, an educator in Northampton.

We speak to Corinne Coryat who is running for state representative for the first Franklin district, and discuss the potential consequences of Reflect Orbital's satellite project with Mr. Universe.

The 1st Franklin district includes multiple cities and towns across Franklin County, including Deerfield, Shelburne, and parts of Greenfield.

From immediate primary matchups in Western Mass. to sweeping November ballot initiatives, state voters face critical choices that highlight the dynamic between local representation and direct policy fights.