UMass Lowell’s Center for Public Opinion conducts public-opinion polling at the state and national levels. The nationally recognized center uses the latest technology and highest standards in its surveys and is a member of the American Association for Public Opinion Research’s Transparency Initiative.

The center’s events and polls on political and social issues provide unique opportunities for civic engagement, experiential learning and research.

New Hampshire: Pappas, Ayotte slightly ahead in respective races

Image of outline of New Hampshire with word bubbles that say vote and a ballot box that says UMass Lowell Image by Alexa Feldmann

Conducted from October 2-19, 2026 the nonpartisan poll of 600 likely voters found U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas slightly ahead of former U.S. Sen. John Sununu in the race for U.S. Senate, with a similarly close race between incumbent Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte and Democratic challenger Cinde Warmington.

Key Findings:

  • In the race for U.S. Senate, Democrat Pappas held a slight lead over Sununu, the Republican, 48% to 41%. Seven percent of respondents said they are still undecided.
  • In the governor's race, Ayotte held a 48% to 42% lead over her challenger, with 7% of respondents saying they were still undecided.
  • President Donald Trump's approval ratings remain under water in the Granite State, with 61% of respondents saying they disapprove of the job he's doing.
  • More than two-thirds of likely voters surveyed oppose the construction of a data center supporting Artificial Intelligence in their community.

Massachusetts: Markey, Healey in the driver’s seat

Image of outline of Massachusetts with word bubbles that say vote and a ballot box that says UMass Lowell Image by Alexa Feldmann

Conducted from Oct. 7-18, 2026 the nonpartisan poll of 850 likely voters found that U.S. Sen. Edward Markey has a 29-point advantage over Republican challenger John Deaton, with 12% still undecided. Gov. Maura Healey holds a similar lead over her Republican opponent, Mike Minogue, in the race for governor.

Key Findings:

  • Incumbent Sen. Markey had the support of 55% of voters surveyed, compared to Deaton's 26%, in the race for U.S. Senate. 
  • Healey's 57% was 28 points ahead of challenger Minogue's 29%. Eight percent of respondents said they are still undecided in that race.
  • Bay State voters are considering nine ballot referendums. The closest is on Question 3, which would adopt an all-party primary in state elections. In that eleciton, 41% of voters said they will vote yes, while 44% said they will vote against the measure, with 15% undecided.
  • President Donald Trump's approval rating is much lower in the Bay State than in neighboring New Hampshire. In Massachusetts, 74% of respondents disapprove of his job performance while just 25% approve.