Sen. Bernie Sanders on Monday threw his weight behind Sen. Ed Markey’s re-election bid, giving the Massachusetts incumbent a marquee progressive ally as he fends off a primary challenge from Rep. Seth Moulton. The move lands with the Sept. 1 Democratic primary now less than three months away and just ahead of a three-debate run that starts July 8. Markey has been piling up endorsements, while Moulton has been steadily tightening the gap in recent polls.
Sanders' endorsement
In a statement posted by Markey’s campaign, Sanders called Markey “one of the strongest progressive voices in the United States Senate” and highlighted his work on Medicare for All, workers’ rights and the Green New Deal, according to Ed Markey for Senate. Sanders said Markey “knows which side he’s on” and cast him as a partner in fights against billionaires, Big Tech and private equity.
Markey's response
Markey publicly thanked Sanders for climbing into his corner and framed the endorsement as evidence that the two senators share core priorities, according to the Boston Globe. He said Sanders has “spent his career speaking truth to power and standing up for working people,” casting their alliance as part of the same long-running progressive project.
Progressive coalition
The Sanders nod adds fresh fuel to a progressive and labor coalition Markey has been touting all cycle, a roster that includes the Sunrise Movement, major unions, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Rep. Ayanna Pressley, as listed on Ed Markey for Senate. Those backers sit at the center of Markey’s pitch that he remains the state’s progressive standard-bearer.
Where the race stands
A May survey from Emerson College found Markey leading Moulton 37% to 32% among likely Democratic primary voters, according to Emerson College Polling. Moulton has also shown fundraising momentum and, the Markey campaign concedes, has been narrowing the gap, a dynamic highlighted by Axios Boston.
What the endorsement means
For Markey, Sanders’ backing is likely to help solidify support among voters who put climate action, Medicare for All and corporate accountability at the top of their list. At the same time, it hands Moulton another opening for a line of attack he has leaned on throughout the race, that Massachusetts needs a younger senator and a new generation in the seat, a framing political reporters have noted. The Boston Globe has pointed to both the progressive boost for Markey and the generational contrast Moulton is trying to draw.
What to watch next
The first debate between Markey and Moulton is set for July 8 in western Massachusetts, with two more on the calendar for Aug. 3 and Aug. 20 ahead of the Sept. 1 primary, according to WBUR. The primary winner is expected to face Republican John Deaton in November, and both campaigns are poised to lean hard on early debate moments in an effort to jolt the race in their favor, as reported by Axios Boston.
