Markey, Moulton Deliver Parting Shots In Final MA Senate Primary Debate

The familiar topics of age, transgender rights, and progressive credentials once again took center stage as incumbent U.S. Sen. Ed Markey and challenger U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton took the stage together for the final time ahead of the Democratic state primary.

Moulton called for age limits in Congress when addressing the 80-year-old Markey as he pushed the need for a new generation of leadership to help take back and hold the Senate.

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"I am running against the Washington establishment that puts personal power over public service," Moulton said. "I am running against the senator's decision after 50 years in Washington to run for another term at age 80 when one single missed vote could mean another conservative Supreme Court justice."

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Markey charged the Democratic Party needs to become "more progressive" as he pushed "Medicare for All" universal health care, free four-year public college and community college tuition, and protections that ensure that all transgender athletes can compete in women's sports.

"This is the law in Massachusetts and I think that's the correct law," Markey said.

Moulton once again apologized "to anyone hurt by my comments" during his post-2024-election analysis that he did not want his two young girls getting "run over on a playing field by a male or formerly male athlete."

"I am sorry," Moulton said. "That was not my intention."

Moulton said he supports transgender athletes participating in women's sports "with a discussion about where we have issues about safety and fairness."

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The 47-year-old Moulton repeatedly referenced the generational divide between the candidates as he pressed Markey on everything from artificial intelligence and fusion energy to the cost of specific grocery items.

Markey went to the well often on his endorsements from U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, U.S. Reps. Ayanna Pressley and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as North Shore elected officials.

"Congressman Moulton does not have a single state senator, state representative or mayor in his district who has endorsed him," he said. "The mayor of Lynn endorsed me. The mayor of Salem endorsed me. Because I show up and deliver."

Moulton painted himself as more of the outsider, despite serving the past 12 years in the U.S. House and his brief run for president in 2020, through his Serve America PAC aimed at helping new voices get elected in Washington.

Both repeatedly called for the end of the Iran War, the abolishment of ICE, support for DEI programs at institutions that choose to employ them, and the impeachment of President Donald Trump.

The winner of the primary will face Republican John Deaton in the November general election.

"Instead of offering real, actionable plans to address the issues crushing MA families, tonight showcased two career politicians slinging mud at each other and offering zero practical solutions for our healthcare crisis, skyrocketing housing costs, or surging energy bills," Deaton said in a post-debate statement. "While career politicians trade political attacks and recycled slogans, working families across this Commonwealth are struggling to pay their bills, keep up with rising rent and mortgages, and keep their lights on. Massachusetts voters deserve a leader who's focused on results, transparency, and economic relief — not endless political posturing."

Early, in-person voting begins this weekend for the state primary on Sept. 1.

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