Seth Moulton Challenges Ed Markey in Senate Primary

BOSTON (AP) — U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, a moderate Massachusetts Democrat, announced Wednesday that he will challenge U.S. Sen. Ed Markey for the Democratic nomination in the 2026 Senate race, arguing it’s time for the party to embrace a new generation of leadership.

The announcement puts Moulton, 46, against Markey, who is 79 and seeking a third six-year term. Moulton criticized the Democratic Party for being stuck in the status quo and not fighting hard enough against the Republican agenda.

“We’re in a crisis… I just don’t believe Sen. Markey should be running for another six-year term at 80 years old,” Moulton said in a video accompanying his announcement. He emphasized the need for new perspectives in leadership as the country faces significant challenges.

A poll conducted for the Fiscal Alliance Foundation indicates that Moulton currently leads Markey in a hypothetical matchup, garnering 43% support among likely voters compared to Markey’s 21%. Among Democrats, Moulton’s lead is narrower at 38% to Markey’s 30%.

Markey faced a similar primary challenge from Joe Kennedy III in 2020, which he won with 55% of the vote. His campaign highlighted his progressive alliance with younger voters through initiatives like the Green New Deal.

Moulton, a Marine veteran who has served in Congress for nearly a decade, has previously campaigned for president and has drawn attention for his remarks on policy issues, including those regarding transgender athletes in sports.

“This isn’t a fight we can put off for another six years. The future we all believe in is on the line,” Moulton added, emphasizing his focus on key issues such as affordability, health care, and climate change in his campaign.

As Moulton steps into the primary, he aims to position himself as a leader for a new era of the Democratic Party, hoping to capture the support of voters looking for fresh ideas and dynamics in Washington.