Overview
- Sen. Ed Markey defeated Rep. Seth Moulton by about 65% to 35% in the Democratic primary, and Moulton conceded and called to congratulate him after Tuesday’s returns.
- Markey built his case around a progressive record on climate, health care and LGBTQ protections and repeatedly highlighted his support for transgender rights as a contrast with Moulton.
- Moulton’s 2024 comments about transgender athletes were repeatedly cited by Markey’s campaign and allied groups as damaging to his standing with core Democratic voters.
- Former White House aide Dan Koh won the Democratic primary for the open 6th Congressional District and several long-serving House Democrats also fended off younger challengers, keeping the state’s delegation largely intact.
- Markey has said this six-year term would be his last and, in a deep-blue state, his nomination leaves him heavily favored in November and gives progressives a roadmap for winning future Democratic primaries.