Press Release: 10/2/2025

Latest Poll: Massachusetts Voters Push Back on High Costs



 



In case you missed it, the Fiscal Alliance Foundation has just released the results of our latest statewide poll, and the message from Massachusetts voters is loud and clear: they are fed up with higher costs and want a new direction.



Our survey of 750 likely general election voters found strong support for cutting the state income tax, broad opposition to rent control, and a growing appetite for affordable and reliable energy from natural gas and nuclear power. Voters also expressed serious concerns about the high costs of the state’s rigid NetZero mandates and the rush to build large-scale battery storage facilities.



Here are a few key takeaways:




  • Taxes: Nearly two-thirds of voters, 62%, want the state income tax reduced from 5% to 4%. Only 24% opposed the cut.

  • Rent Control: A clear majority, 53%, oppose government-imposed rent control. Opposition grew to 65% when voters learned it could raise property taxes for homeowners. Importantly, this included majorities of Democrats, Republicans, and independents. A recent study in Portland, Maine showed property taxes are going up by $200 - $400 per taxpayer due to the city’s rent control policies. This is exactly what our poll was asking voters.

  • Energy: Voters support expanding energy supply through new natural gas pipelines (62%) and nuclear power (51%). In both cases, large majorities of those who support these policies say Massachusetts should take the lead.

  • NetZero Mandates: 54% of voters oppose the state’s costly NetZero 2050 mandate when told it means higher energy bills and fewer choices for consumers.





The poll also revealed political vulnerabilities for Beacon Hill insiders. Nearly two-thirds of voters say Senator Ed Markey should not run again in 2026, with Congressman Seth Moulton leading him in a head-to-head matchup. Governor Maura Healey, while still ahead in overall matchups, is showing real weakness with independent voters as she is behind her Republican challengers with independent voters and under 50% overall. Those independent are the very voters who decide elections in Massachusetts.





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.





At the Fiscal Alliance Foundation, we will continue to shine a light on these issues and make sure the voices of taxpayers are heard. Massachusetts families can’t afford more costly mandates, higher taxes, and policies that make life more expensive. Voters know it and now the numbers prove it.



The poll received extensive coverage in the media, including from MassLive,Boston.com, and was even mentioned in this morning’s Boston Globe write up on nuclear power.



You can read the full poll results here:

Topline results.

Crosstab results.



Thank you for standing with us as we continue this important work.