Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Sen. Ed Markey in the Massachusetts Democratic U.S. Senate primary, while Sen. Markey and Rep. Seth Moulton clashed over artificial intelligence and generational leadership during a debate ahead of the Sept. 1 primary.
Ocasio-Cortez backs Markey in primary challenge
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Sen. Ed Markey in the Massachusetts Democratic U.S. Senate primary, citing his record on the Green New Deal and opposition to corporate PAC funding. In a statement released by Markey’s campaign, Ocasio-Cortez said, “Ed Markey has spent his career doing exactly that, from our partnership on the Green New Deal to running his campaign without accepting a dime of corporate PAC money.” Markey responded, “We introduced the Green New Deal to tackle the climate crisis, lower costs, and build an economy that works for working people, not corporations and billionaires.”
Debate highlights generational divide and AI policy
During a debate on Aug. 21, 2026, Sen. Markey and Rep. Moulton addressed generational leadership and technology policy. When asked about his use of artificial intelligence, Sen. Markey said he relies on “whatever is inside of my iPhone and my iPad,” adding that he did not know which companies’ technology his devices may use. Rep. Moulton responded, “With all due respect, senator, if you don’t even know what you’re using on your phone or your iPad, like, this is why we need a new generation of leaders to regulate these technologies.”
Rep. Moulton also criticized Sen. Markey’s age and long tenure in Washington, stating, “I’m running against the senator’s decision after 50 years in Washington to run for another term at age 80.” Sen. Markey countered, “I’m more energized than I’ve ever been before,” emphasizing his ongoing campaign efforts across Massachusetts.
Policy differences emerge on transgender athletes
The candidates also clashed over transgender athletes, a campaign flashpoint. Additional details on their positions were not provided in the available reporting.
Primary election set for Sept. 1
The Massachusetts Democratic U.S. Senate primary is scheduled for Sept. 1, 2026, with Sen. Markey and Rep. Moulton as the leading candidates. Sen. Markey, first elected to the Senate in 2013, previously served in the House for over 36 years. Rep. Moulton, first elected to the House in 2015, is currently 47 years old.