Ed Markey wins Massachusetts primary for the Democratic nomination to the U.S. Senate, according to a call from The Associated Press, overcoming a challenge from Rep. Seth Moulton.
The result signals another boost for progressives this cycle, and a setback for arguments centered on generational turnover within Democratic leadership.
Markey’s progressive record and campaign contrasts
Similar tensions have surfaced in other recent primaries, where younger Democrats have pressed older incumbents for a shift in ideas and tone. Markey countered that critique by stressing his long record championing progressive priorities.
Markey, who turned 80 in July, entered Congress in 1976. Moulton, elected in 2014, framed his bid around elevating a new generation in Washington.
The senator, who often notes his Malden roots and his father’s milkman job, backs Medicare for All, opposes former President Donald Trump’s defense budget proposal and has argued against raising taxes on the wealthy.
He has insisted campaign debates should focus on candidates’ ideas, not their ages. Markey’s stance aligns with some of the themes highlighted when Democrats countered a GOP anti-socialism resolution in the U.S. House.
Endorsements and debate over transgender issues
“This is the most energized I’ve ever been, fighting Donald Trump every single day,” Markey said in a July debate hosted by WWLP, adding that he leads that fight.
Recent polling showed Markey with a lead, with supporters citing a strong connection to his progressive stance and showing less concern about his age. He benefited from endorsements by Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
In an August debate, Markey criticized Moulton’s past comments on transgender issues, saying the congressman failed to stand up for trans rights after Trump’s reelection.
Moulton had said in 2024 that Democrats should be able to discuss trans issues and referenced concerns about girls’ sports, remarks he later apologized for during the debate while affirming support for LGBTQ rights.
Ed Markey wins Massachusetts primary again amid generational tensions
This marks the second time Markey has turned back a younger Democratic challenger. In 2020, he defeated Rep. Joe Kennedy III, who argued the state needed fresher representation.
Markey advances to face attorney John Deaton in November. In deep blue Massachusetts, nonpartisan analysts at organizations like The Cook Political Report rate the seat as strongly favoring the incumbent.
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