Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., today endorsed Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., as Markey runs for re-election against a younger House Democrat, Rep. Seth Moulton, who is calling for generational change.
Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., at the Massachusetts Democratic Party convention on May 30. John Tlumacki / Boston Globe via Getty Images file
“At a time when powerful special interests are making life harder for everyday Americans, Massachusetts working families need a champion in the U.S. Senate to stand up for them and fight corporate greed,” Ocasio-Cortez said in a statement. She added, “[Markey’s] work is an inspiration to many of us who are committed to building a better future for all, and that’s why I’m proud to endorse him.”
The endorsement is a boost for Markey’s campaign, though the progressive senator has been leading in recent polls of the race, pushing back against Moulton’s argument that Markey, 80, is too old to serve another term.
On Tuesday, the Boston Globe’s editorial board endorsed Moulton’s campaign, centering on the congressman’s call for generational change in the Democratic Party.
“This is not a call for change for change’s sake, or an endorsement of youth for the sake of youth alone,” the board wrote. “Moulton has proven leadership skills that will serve him well if he reaches the Senate, and his positions on major issues — including health care, the cost of living, and foreign policy — have been consistent with the values of most Massachusetts voters and this board.”
Moulton, 47, and Markey are set to spar tonight in their final debate before the Sept. 1 primary.
Young progressive candidates have ousted several incumbent Democrats in federal primary races so far this cycle, including in Colorado and Connecticut House races this summer. But in Massachusetts, which Markey has represented in Washington for almost 50 years, the senator has sharpened his progressive bona fides, highlighting his support for the renewable energy proposals known as the Green New Deal and for universal health care, dubbed “Medicare for All.”
Markey has also put a spotlight on Moulton’s comments — which he has since walked back — in the wake of the 2024 presidential election opposing transgender girls’ participation in girls sports and criticizing Democrats for being “afraid” of taking that stance on the issue.
Markey has also been endorsed by other progressive stalwarts, such as Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.