Massachusetts is bracing for a political showdown that’s already sending ripples across the Democratic Party. On October 15, 2025, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, a moderate Democrat from Salem, officially declared his intention to challenge U.S. Sen. Edward Markey for the party’s nomination in the 2026 Senate race. The announcement, delivered through a video message, has set the stage for what many are calling one of the most closely watched Democratic primary contests in the nation.
Moulton, age 46, didn’t mince words in his campaign launch. "We’re in crisis, and with everything we learned last election, I just don’t believe Sen. Markey should be running for another six-year term at 80 years old," he said, as reported by the Associated Press. He continued, "Even more, I don’t think someone who’s been in Congress for half a century is the right person to meet this moment and win the future." In his view, the Democratic Party has been too wedded to the status quo, failing to fight hard enough or adapt to the needs of a new generation. "Sen. Markey’s a good man, but it’s time for a new generation of leadership. And that’s why I’m running for U.S. Senate," Moulton declared.
The generational divide is front and center in this race. Markey, who would turn 80 before beginning a potential third six-year Senate term, has been a fixture in Congress since 1976. He’s known for his progressive credentials, having teamed up with New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to champion the Green New Deal and aligning himself with the party’s liberal wing. Markey’s last primary challenge, in 2020, saw him successfully fend off Rep. Joe Kennedy III, a younger rival from one of America’s most storied political families, by more than 10 points.
For Moulton, the campaign is as much about policy as it is about leadership style and vision. He’s a Marine Corps veteran who served four tours in Iraq and first made headlines in 2014 when he unseated longtime U.S. Rep. John Tierney—the first time in over two decades that a Bay State incumbent congressman lost. Moulton’s reputation as a disruptor continued when he challenged House Speaker Nancy Pelosi after the 2018 midterms, arguing for a new generation at the helm of the Democratic Party. He even mounted a brief presidential run in 2020, further cementing his willingness to take on entrenched power.
In the wake of the 2024 presidential election—where Donald Trump’s victory and a Republican red wave left Democrats reeling—Moulton was outspoken in his criticism of party leadership. He said Democrats were "out of touch with the American people," particularly on issues like transgender athletes in sports. As he told the Associated Press, "I think that Republicans have a hateful position on trans issues," but he insisted that Democrats still lose voters because of the party’s "attitude." His comments have drawn fire from some within the party, who accuse him of echoing Republican talking points. Still, Moulton maintains that Democrats must be honest about their shortcomings if they hope to win back voters.
Moulton’s campaign is focused on a slate of issues he says are urgent for Massachusetts and the country at large: affordability, universal health care, banning assault weapons, and protecting democracy. He’s also made climate change a central pillar of his platform, touting his authorship of what he calls "the most ambitious high-speed rail plan in decades," which aims to cut carbon emissions, create union jobs, and boost affordable housing. "I want Massachusetts to lead the nation in big, forward-looking, progressive solutions that make life better for working people," he said in his announcement. He also pointed to his leadership on mental health, having led and passed the bipartisan 988 national mental health Lifeline, which has connected over 13 million people in crisis to critical support.
"But people who need help the most need wins now, so I led and passed the bipartisan 988 national mental health Lifeline that’s connected over 13 million people in crisis to critical health support," Moulton said, highlighting both his legislative achievements and his sense of urgency. He added, "And we have to fight harder for our kids. They need us to get back on the offensive when it comes to banning assault weapons and fighting climate change." Moulton’s pitch is clear: the next generation will keep paying the cost if Democrats don’t change course. "This isn’t a fight we can put off for another six years. The future we all believe in is on the line," he insisted.
Markey, for his part, has shown no signs of backing down. Last year, he confirmed he would seek a third Senate term in 2026. In an interview with WCVB-TV, Markey said he was "the most energized" he had ever been and dismissed concerns about his age, quipping, "I've always been the youngest guy in the room." His supporters argue that it’s the age of his ideas, not his birth certificate, that matters. Markey’s long record includes defeating Stephen Lynch in a 2013 special election following John Kerry’s appointment as Secretary of State under President Barack Obama, and his 37 years of service in the U.S. House before joining the Senate. He’s remained a steadfast ally of progressive causes, working closely with groups on the left and with figures like Ocasio-Cortez.
Recent polling suggests that Moulton’s message may be resonating with some voters. A survey conducted just weeks before his announcement found him leading Markey among likely Democratic voters in Massachusetts, with 38% support compared to Markey’s nearly 30%. While the sample size was modest—278 Democrats—the numbers hint at a potentially competitive race ahead.
Massachusetts Democrats are no strangers to high-profile primary battles, but this contest is shaping up to be particularly consequential. The outcome could signal the direction of the party not just in the Bay State, but nationally, as Democrats wrestle with questions of generational change, policy priorities, and how best to counter a resurgent Republican Party. Both Moulton and Markey bring deep experience and sharply contrasting visions to the table, and the coming months promise a spirited debate over the future of Democratic leadership.
As the primary campaign heats up, voters across Massachusetts—and political observers nationwide—will be watching closely to see whether the call for generational change will carry the day, or whether experience and progressive credentials will keep Markey in the Senate for another term. Either way, the stakes are high, and the outcome is far from certain.
