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Ed Markey wins Massachusetts primary in generational showdown

By
FOX Local
Politics
Published September 2, 2026 10:43 AM CDT
Published September 2, 2026 10:43 AM CDT
article

FIILE-Sen. Ed Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts, during a primary election night watch party at the Omni Parker House in Boston, Massachusetts, on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. (Mel Musto/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The Brief

    • Sen. Ed. Markey defeated Rep. Seth Moulton in the Massachusetts primary.
    • Moulton pushed for change and mentioned Markey’s age throughout the Massachusetts primary.
    • Markey, who was elected to the state senate over 10 years ago, will now face Republican John Deaton.

Sen. Ed Markey won the Democratic nomination in Massachusetts’ Senate primary on Tuesday.

The 80-year-old defeated Rep. Seth Moulton, 47, who tried to argue that it was time to end the "status quo" in his quest to oust Markey.

According to the AP, one of the top issues that defined the state race was transgender rights, and Markey repeatedly called out Moulton for previously saying he would not want his daughters to play against transgender athletes.

RELATED: Challenger calls Mass senator 'too old' for another term

"Massachusetts needs a senator who stands up and fights back, a senator who never forgets who they are fighting for," Markey said during his victory speech. "That has been the mission of my life, and it always will be."

Markey, who is seeking a third term in the state senate, will take on Republican John Deaton, who lost to Sen. Elizabeth Warren by about 20 points in 2024 and was unopposed in his primary Tuesday, The Associated Press reported.

Moulton in his concession speech, said he would now support Markey. "Challenging the establishment and calling for a new generation of leadership isn’t easy. But it is necessary," Moulton told supporters. "We started conversations that needed to happen."

Throughout the race, Moulton brought up Markey’s age, calling for "generational change" and age limits for members of Congress.

Who is Ed Markey?

The backstory:

Ed Markey was elected to the Senate in 2013. Prior to that, he represented Massachusetts’ 7th Congressional District from 1976 to 2013.

In 2020, Markey defeated Rep. Joe Kennedy III, a younger rival from one of the nation's most famous political families. Markey did so by aligning himself with the liberal wing of the Democratic Party.

The Source: Information for this story was provided by The Associated Press, which cites comments from Ed Markey and Seth Moutlon. This story was reported from Washington, D.C. 


 

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