Seth Moulton challenges Ed Markey in Massachusetts Senate race
Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) has officially launched his campaign to challenge incumbent Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) in the upcoming Democratic primary,framing his bid as a call for generational change and a break from the status quo. Moulton criticized the Democratic Party leadership for failing to effectively oppose former President Donald Trump’s agenda and for relying on outdated strategies. At 46 and a Marine veteran serving his sixth term in Congress, Moulton expressed a lack of confidence in Markey’s leadership and emphasized the need for the party to evolve and adopt forward-looking solutions. He highlighted his work on initiatives like the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, high-speed rail, and affordable housing as examples of progressive policies.
Senator Markey, 79, has a long tenure in Congress and won reelection in 2020 against Joe Kennedy III with support from progressives like rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Markey has already begun securing endorsements for his reelection, including from Sen.Elizabeth Warren. The race is being viewed as a generational and ideological contest within the Massachusetts Democratic Party, symbolizing broader debates over party leadership and strategy ahead of the 2026 elections.
Seth Moulton launches Senate bid against Ed Markey: ‘It’s time for change’
Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) launched a Senate campaign Wednesday, taking direct aim at opponent Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) and accusing Democratic leaders of clinging to the status quo.
In his announcement video, Moulton says Democrats have “failed to stop [President] Donald Trump’s harmful, racist agenda,” warning that “our party has clung to the status quo, insisted on using the same old playbook, and isn’t fighting hard enough.”
Real people across Massachusetts are being hurt by Democratic leaders refusing to do everything they can to win.
We’ve got to look in the mirror and be honest.
It’s time for change. pic.twitter.com/y2bbBZUn5R
— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) October 15, 2025
The Marine veteran, now 46 and serving his sixth term in Congress, says he’s running because he’s lost confidence in Markey’s ability to govern effectively and lead Democrats in pushing back against the current administration.
The ad also nods to broader Democratic frustrations with former President Joe Biden’s leadership, portraying both Biden and Trump as symbols of a political system stuck in the past. Moulton’s message is aimed squarely at the party establishment, framing his campaign as a challenge to an older generation of leaders unwilling to adapt.
Moulton has been signaling for weeks that he might challenge Markey in the Democratic primary. He previewed his message in a late-September CNN appearance, saying Democrats “are not satisfied with the status quo” and asking, “Everyone knows we’re opposed to Trump, but what are we going to do differently?” At the time, Moulton framed a potential run as a test of whether the party could evolve to meet the moment.
Framing the race as a call for generational change, Moulton says “real people across Massachusetts are being hurt by Democratic leaders refusing to do everything they can to win,” and vows to challenge both Republicans and his own party’s resistance to reform. He touts his work on the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and proposals for high-speed rail and affordable housing as examples of “forward-looking, progressive solutions.”
GENERATIONAL FIGHT IN BUDDING MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATIC SENATE PRIMARY
Markey, 79, spent decades in the House before winning a 2013 special election to fill an open Senate seat. He secured a full term the following year and won reelection in 2020, defeating former Rep. Joe Kennedy III, the first time a member of the Kennedy family had lost a race in Massachusetts. That campaign drew strong backing from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and energized progressive voters who credited Markey for his partnership with her on the Green New Deal.
In anticipation of a primary challenge, Markey has already begun locking down support, including an early endorsement from Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). First elected in 1976, Markey is now the longest-serving Democrat currently in Congress.
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