Moulton faces steep odds in Massachusetts Senate primary against Markey

Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton is campaigning across Massachusetts ahead of Tuesday's primary, but a recent poll shows him trailing incumbent Sen. Ed Markey by 35 points. Moulton argues it's time for younger leadership, citing dissatisfaction with the status quo and recent polling misses in other states. He has a history of challenging established Democrats, including a failed bid against Nancy Pelosi and a short-lived presidential run.

Moulton's political career has consistently centered on challenging established party figures. He first won his House seat in 2014 by defeating a nine-term incumbent, later mounted an unsuccessful challenge to Nancy Pelosi's leadership, and briefly ran for president in 2019. His current Senate bid against Markey, who has served in Congress since Moulton was a child, represents his most ambitious effort yet.

Markey, who turns 80, has secured endorsements from prominent progressives including Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. He has stated this will be his final campaign. Moulton has attempted to position himself as equally progressive, though his past remarks about transgender athletes, which he later apologized for, have complicated that narrative. A recent poll shows Markey leading by 35 points.