Senator Ed Markey wins Massachusetts primary, fending off challenge from younger rival

Edited by: Svitlana Velhush

Senator Ed Markey, a 80-year-old Democrat from Massachusetts, decisively won his party's primary, defeating Representative Seth Moulton.

According to the Associated Press and other sources, Markey garnered about 70–76% votes, while Moulton received 24–30%.

Markey, who has served in Congress for half a century — since 1976, when he was elected to the House of Representatives — relied on a progressive agenda.

He is the author of the Green New Deal and a supporter of Medicare for All, which helped him secure endorsements from figures such as Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, as well as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Moulton, a 47-year-old congressman and veteran, bet on generational change and more moderate positions, but failed to convince voters.

Markey's victory came amid discussions within the Democratic Party about the age of leaders following the 2024 elections.

In November, the senator, who promises this will be his last term, will almost certainly defeat Republican John Deaton in a state with a strong Democratic advantage.

What matters more to Massachusetts voters — ideology or the candidate's age?

The primary results show that Markey's progressive ideas and experience outweighed calls for renewal.

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Sources

  • Senator Ed Markey, 80, Turns Back Younger Challenger in Massachusetts

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