RismadarVoice Reporters
September 2, 2026
Democratic Senator Ed Markey has defeated Congressman Seth Moulton in the Massachusetts Senate primary, NBC News projected, delivering a major victory for the party’s progressive wing.
Markey, 80, was leading with roughly two-thirds of the vote with 69 per cent of expected ballots counted.
The veteran senator campaigned heavily on his progressive record, highlighting his role in championing the Green New Deal and supporting Medicare for All. He also secured high-profile endorsements from Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, as well as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Markey’s victory comes amid a broader Democratic debate over generational change, with several longtime lawmakers losing primary contests to younger challengers this year.
Moulton, 47, had campaigned on generational renewal, arguing that Democrats needed a new approach. His campaign and allies also outspent Markey and his supporters on advertising, $7.1 million to $3.9 million, according to AdImpact.
Conceding defeat, Moulton said he had called Markey to congratulate him and pledged his “full support” for the senator as the Democratic nominee.
“We must stand united this November to protect our democracy and defeat Donald Trump,” Moulton told supporters.
Markey, who first entered the Senate in 2013 after nearly four decades in the House, framed the contest as a choice between simply electing a Democrat and sending a progressive voice to Washington.
His victory strengthens the progressive bloc within the Massachusetts Democratic Party and sets the stage for the November general election.
