Incumbent Sen. Ed Markey wins Massachusetts' Democratic primary for US Senate

Accessibility links Skip to main content Keyboard shortcuts for audio player Open Navigation Menu --> Newsletters NPR Shop Get NPR+ Close Navigation Menu Home News Expand/collapse submenu for News National World Politics Business Health Science Climate Race Culture Expand/collapse submenu for Culture Books Movies Television Pop Culture Food Art & Design Performing Arts Life Kit Gaming Music Expand/collapse submenu for Music Tiny Desk New Music Friday All Songs Considered Music Features Live Sessions Podcasts & Shows Expand/collapse submenu for Podcasts & Shows Daily Morning Edition Weekend Edition Saturday Weekend Edition Sunday All Things Considered Up First Here & Now NPR Politics Podcast Featured Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! Fresh Air Wild Card with Rachel Martin It's Been a Minute Embedded Get NPR+ More Podcasts & Shows Search Newsletters NPR Shop Get NPR+ Tiny Desk New Music Friday All Songs Considered Music Features Live Sessions About NPR Diversity Support Careers Press Ethics Incumbent Sen. Ed Markey, 80, won the Democratic nomination against Rep. Seth Moulton, 47, who said that his party needed new leaders. Elections Incumbent Sen. Ed Markey has won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts, according to a race call by The Associated Press, repelling a challenge from Rep. Seth Moulton. While the result marks yet another win for the progressive wing of the party this election cycle, it's also a defeat for those calling for generational change and a new direction in party leadership. Loading... In other recent primaries, races have been fought across generational lines with younger Democratic candidates running as progressives, challenging older incumbents sometimes arguing that it's time for new ideas. Yet Markey successfully fought off discontent among Democrats with their party's establishment by arguing that he has long fought for progressive ideals. Sen. Markey, who often introduces himself as the son of a milkman from Malden, supports "Medicare for All," opposes President Trump's defense budget and raising taxes on the rich. He believes that the focus of candidates' debates should be on their ideas and not their age. "This is the most energized I've ever been, fighting Donald Trump every single day, fighting his agenda to undermine families all across our country," Markey said during a debate hosted by WWLP in July. "And I lead that fight." Markey had been leading the polls recently, which also revealed that his supporters felt a connection to his progressivism and were less moved by concern over his age. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. In an August debate, Markey accused Moulton of not standing up for transgender rights, telling the congressman that after President Trump was reelected, "You threw those trans kids under the bus." He was referring to when Moulton in 2024 said Democrats should be able to talk about trans issues, adding that he didn't want his daughters "getting run over on a playing field by a male or formerly male athlete." During the debate, Moulton apologized for hurting people with his comments and said he supports LGBTQ rights. This was the second time Markey won a primary challenge against a much younger candidate. In 2020, Markey defeated Rep. Markey will now face attorney John Deaton this November for the Senate seat. Markey is heavily favored to win come November in deep blue Massachusetts. NPR does not offer or accept money for coverage or interviews. Anyone who makes such an offer or request is not an NPR employee and does not represent NPR. Sponsor Message Become an NPR sponsor