Senator Ed Markey secured victory in the Democratic primary in Massachusetts on Tuesday, 1 September 2026. The 80-year-old incumbent overcame a challenge from Congressman Seth Moulton, who contended that Markey's age made him less effective.
According to the Associated Press, Markey, a long-time advocate for progressive causes, easily defeated his 47-year-old rival. Markey's positions include supporting a universal single-payer healthcare system and the "Green New Deal" clean energy policies. He received backing from prominent congressional progressives, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Elizabeth Warren.
Moulton, who first won election in 2014, has not endorsed single-payer healthcare proposals. During an August debate, Moulton questioned Markey's grasp of AI tools, while Markey stated he was "more energized than I've ever been before in my life."
Given Massachusetts' strong Democratic lean, Senator Markey is favoured to win a third full term in the November general election, where he will compete against Republican nominee John Deaton.