U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, a moderate Massachusetts Democrat, secured enough delegate support on Saturday to appear on the state’s primary ballot as he challenges incumbent U.S. Sen. Ed Markey in this year’s Senate race. Meanwhile, Markey won the party’s endorsement after securing more than 50% of the delegation’s support, with 73% of delegates backing him compared to Moulton’s 27%. The Massachusetts Democratic Party requires statewide candidates to get at least 15% of delegate support to appear on primary ballots.
The Senate primary contest is one of the most closely watched in the country, as Moulton, 47, has centered his campaign on changing the status quo and demanding a generational shift in leadership. If reelected, Markey would be 80 before his third six-year term begins. While Markey has touted his stamina and embrace of progressive policies, questions about age have continued to swirl around Democratic candidates as they fight to take back control of Congress.
In his nomination speech, Moulton argued that the Democratic Party needed more than “incremental change” and called for a new generation of leaders. “It’s time for the generation that grew up with the internet, and will have to live for decades with AI, to lead our way through it,” Moulton said. He also called on Markey to participate in multiple debates before the September primary, though the two candidates have only agreed to one debate later this summer. Markey, in contrast, took a more critical approach by attacking Moulton’s previous record.
Supporters of both candidates offered differing perspectives. Hugh Monahan, a retired union electrician, backed Markey, stating, “He still has a lot on the ball.” Norman LaFlash, a retired letter carrier, supported Moulton, citing his support for postal issues. Another delegate, Nanda from Wenham, also backed Moulton, emphasizing the need for “new energy” and younger voters.