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80-year-old Sen. Ed Markey wins Massachusetts Democratic primary, defeating younger challenger

Confirmed1 source · Sep 2, 2026

Markey secured the Democratic nomination against Rep. Seth Moulton, who had campaigned on the need for generational change in party leadership.

80-year-old Sen. Ed Markey wins Massachusetts Democratic primary, defeating younger challenger
Image via NPR

What happened

Sen. Ed Markey, 80, won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts. His opponent, Rep. Seth Moulton, 47, had run on a platform calling for younger leadership in the Democratic Party but lost the nomination.

Context

The race reflected tension within the Democratic Party this election cycle regarding leadership generational dynamics. Moulton's campaign centered on the argument that the party needed new leaders, but Massachusetts voters chose to renominate the incumbent despite the 33-year age gap between the candidates.