Massachusetts Political Showdown: Markey vs. Moulton
Polls have closed in Massachusetts. The political contest between the left and the center of the Democratic Party puts a longtime incumbent against a more moderate challenger. Unlike other races with similar dynamics, progressives are backing the incumbent, Sen. Ed Markey, age 80.
Markey, a progressive figure, defends his Senate seat against Rep. Seth Moulton, who is 47 years old. Both are involved in the Democratic Party’s push for generational change. This shift gained momentum when President Joe Biden exited the presidential race two years ago at age 81, amid concerns about his debate performance against Trump.
A six-way race aims to replace Moulton in the U.S. House. Four members of the state’s congressional delegation, including House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, face left-wing challengers. Additionally, Bay State Republicans seek a gubernatorial nominee to challenge Democratic Gov. Maura Healey.
U.S. Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Seth Moulton engaged in a final debate on July 8, 2026. (Photo by Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
The spotlight is on Markey vs. Moulton. Markey, with 37 years in the House before his Senate win in 2013, has support from progressives like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Markey is committed to a left-wing agenda, including Medicare for All and the Green New Deal.
Moulton, a Marine Corps veteran, is endorsed by New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill and the Boston Globe. He emphasizes generational change, stating, “We should have upper age limits as well.”
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorses Sen. Ed Markey outside the U.S. Capitol in 2023. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Markey stated, “I’m more energized than ever.” However, he seemed unclear about A.I. platforms during the debate, referring to iPhone features when asked.
Both candidates agree on some issues, like abolishing ICE. Moulton apologized for comments about biological males in female sports. Heading into the primary, Markey led in polls and fundraising.
The general election’s favorite will face Republican John Deaton. In Moulton’s district, candidates like Dan Koh, John Beccia, and Tram Nguyen vie for the Democratic nomination. Koh highlights endorsements from Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
On the Republican side, Micah Q. Jones is unopposed. The primary winner will face him later. Katherine Clark, seeking renomination, faces two left-wing challenges.
Rep. Katherine Clark faces primary challenges from the left. (Photo by Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Other incumbents facing challenges include Stephen Lynch and Richard Neal. Both face younger rivals advocating for “new blood.” Rep. Jake Auchincloss also deals with a primary challenge.
For the Republican governor nomination, Mike Minogue and Briani Shortsleeve compete. Minogue is backed by the Massachusetts GOP. They face a challenging general election against Healey in the Democratic-leaning state.
Gov. Maura Healey, up for re-election, signs the PROTECT Act in 2026. (Photo by Lane Turner/The Boston Globe)
Tuesday’s primary might be the last under the current system. Voters will decide on a ballot initiative to switch to a single, all-party primary, allowing the top two vote-getters to advance regardless of party.