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Seth Moulton Launches 2026 Primary Challenge to Sen. Ed Markey in Massachusetts

The Marine veteran frames the contest as a push for generational change within a party reeling from 2024 losses.

Overview

  • The 46-year-old congressman argues Markey should not seek another six-year term at 80 and cites his half-century in Congress.
  • Moulton says his campaign will prioritize affordability, universal health care, climate action, gun safety and protecting democracy.
  • A late-September Advantage/Fiscal Alliance poll found Moulton leading Markey 43% to 21% among likely voters, and 38% to 30% among Democrats.
  • Markey touts endorsements from groups and Massachusetts officials, and his campaign criticized Moulton for launching during a federal government shutdown.
  • Moulton faces intra-party backlash over past comments on transgender athletes, the Democratic primary is set for Sept. 1, 2026, and his run creates an open 6th District House race.