Markey overcomes Senate challenge

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(The Center Square) - Octogenerian U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., overcame an intense primary challenge from a candidate who said he was too old to serve the people of Massachusetts.

Markey, 80, secured election for a third full term on Tuesday night, overcoming a challenge from insurgent candidate Seth Moulton. The incumbent senator focused his campaign on fiercely advocating for progressive values, pointing to his support of the Green New Deal, Medicare for All legislation and calls to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“We don’t just need a Democratic majority in the Senate,” Markey said. “We need a progressive majority. That’s why I’m working to take on this corrupt administration and build a better future for working class Americans.”

Markey pledged this term would be his final one in office if elected. Moulton, 47, had fiercely attacked Markey’s age and called for new leadership in Congress.

Moulton said Markey is not prepared to advance regulations on new technology advances, including in artificial intelligence. He called for federal AI regulations, including bans on data harvesting, protections for children and unemployment insurance, while keeping the technology based in the United States.

“We can’t let China dominate this technology, but we also cannot allow AI systems to be deployed unless they are safe,” Moulton’s website reads. “The best version of American leadership means winning and doing it right.”

Markey hit back at Moulton and touted his record to advance regulations on bias in AI generation. His legislation called for ensuring algorithms used in AI tools do not reflect or exacerbate preexisting biases when used in the hiring process, for example.

“A 2025 study found that AI resume screening tools almost never selected Black male names to proceed in the hiring process,” Markey said in a press conference. “This is unacceptable.”

Markey will face off against Republican candidate John Deaton, a trial attorney who has focused his campaign on increasing healthcare affordability. He has slammed Democrats who proposed Medicare for All legislation and called for proposals that do not substantially raise taxes for Massachusetts residents.

“I’ll work to lower prescription drug costs, increase price transparency, and expand access to quality care without growing Washington’s bureaucracy or raising taxes,” Deaton’s website reads.

U.S. House

Several races across Massachusetts for the U.S. House saw tense challenges against incumbent Democrats as well. Here is a look at some of those races.

District 1

Incumbent Democrat Rep. Richard Neal, fended off a challenge from progressive Jeromie Whalen with 7% of precincts reporting. Neal, 77, is seeking his 18th consecutive term in the U.S. House.

The incumbent Democrat focused his campaign on fighting against the Trump administration’s tax and tariff policies. He touted his record as chairman of the Joint Committee on Taxation in the 117th Congress.

“Congressman Neal has been an advocate of fairness and simplification of the U.S. tax code, supporter of policies that increase the national savings rate, and fought relentlessly to protect Social Security and Medicare from privatization,” Neal’s website reads.

Whalen, a 39-year-old high school teacher, has focused his campaign on Medicare for All and the Fair Share Amendment, a Massachusetts amendment that funds public education and transportation through taxation on high-income earners.

“Raise the tax threshold for working and middle class: Create a Cost of Living Exemption so that federal taxes do not apply to income up to a realistic cost of living for a single adult, set around $45,000 per year,” Whalen told Ballotpedia. “Surcharge on the ultra wealthy: Add a 3 percent surtax on income over $1 million, and an 8 percent surtax on income over $15 million.”

A Republican candidate in the first congressional district did not file for election. Neal is expected to win the seat unless a mass write-in campaign overtakes him.

District 6

Dan Koh overcame a crowded Democratic field and will face off against against Republican Micah Jones in November.

Dan Koh, who was endorsed by President Joe Biden, was in a favored lead with 13% of precincts reporting over state Rep. Tram Nguyen, software engineer Beth Andres-Beck and attorney John Beccia. Koh focused his campaign on fighting back against the Trump administration, expanding healthcare and childcare and supporting affordable housing.

“Everyone who works hard should have a fair shot at building a good life,” Koh told Ballotpedia. “I’ve seen firsthand how government can make people’s lives better when it focuses on real challenges and real solutions.”

Nguyen, a member of the Massachusetts legislature, has championed progressive values throughout her campaign. She focused on Medicare for All, increasing the federal minimum wage and expanding affordable housing opportunities.

“In Congress, Tram will work to: Significantly expand funding for deeply affordable housing and rental assistance, Increase the affordable housing supply, Support first-time home buyers with low interest loans and developing more starter homes,” Nguyen told Ballotpedia.

The winning Democrat will face off against Republican Micah Jones, a lawyer, who has focused his campaign on reducing tax burdens and focusing on AI legislation.

“Eliminating unnecessary barriers to economic growth, encouraging common sense innovation in areas like artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing, expanding clean and reliable energy, and creating more pathways for young Americans to serve their communities and develop valuable career skills,” Jones told Ballotpedia.

District 8

Incumbent Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., overcame Patrick Roath, a lawyer and aide to former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick are in the race for the Democratic ticket.

Lynch focused his campaign on touting his voting record and his pursuit of President Donald Trump. However, Roath sharply criticized Lynch for not doing enough to aggressively go after the president.

“I’ve worked every day in Congress for policies that will make life better for you and your family – fair wages and economic security, funding for higher education, housing assistance, preserving Social Security, protecting against threats to our environment, and health care that is affordable and accessible,” Lynch’s website reads.

Roath also supported expansion of the Fair Share Amendment beyond Massachusetts and across the country.

“Every American worker deserves what we've already achieved here–12 weeks of guaranteed paid family leave, regardless of whether you work for a corporation or a small business, whether you’re salaried or hourly,” Roath wrote.

The winning Democratic candidate will face off against Republican Robert Burke, who ran unopposed and called for a complete immigration pause across the country.

“It’s time to reevaluate every program, from H1B to TPS, prioritizing American interests, border security, and a balanced system that truly serves our nation’s needs,” Burke’s website reads.