Challenger calls Mass senator 'too old' for another term
FILE-US Senator Ed Markey and Representative Seth Moulton stand at lecterns ahead of their debate at WWLP-22 News on July 8, 2026. (Photo by Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
A senate race in Massachusetts has revolved around the question of one of the candidates being "too old" for another term in office.
U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, 47, a moderate Massachusetts Democrat, is challenging U.S. Sen. Edward Markey, who is 80 years old for the Democratic nomination in the senate race.
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Moulton is seeking to unseat Markey in the state’s Democratic primary election on Tuesday, Sept. 1. The Associated Press reported that Markey has a strong following of young supporters, some of whom say that the internal party debate is more over policy than age.
Markey won the endorsement of the High School Democrats of America and the College Democrats of America and has the support of progressives like U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Moulton believes it's time for new generation of Democratic leaders
Dig deeper:
During a recent debate in Massachusetts, U.S. Sen. Edward Markey was asked whether he uses AI platforms like Claude or ChatGPT in his work, Markey apparently was unclear on the topic, according to The Associated Press.
Markey responded that he uses "whatever is inside of my iPhone or my iPad — whatever comes up" and added that he doesn't know "what companies my iPad may be using."
U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton responded to Markey's debate answer, telling him: "Senator, if you don’t even know what you’re using on your phone or your iPad, like this is why we need a new generation of leaders to regulate these technologies." Moulton called Markey’s loose grasp of the technology "potentially disqualifying."
The AP reported that Markey pushed back by highlighting legislation he has introduced to regulate AI’s effects on children, workers, civil rights, and the environment.
Moulton has emphasized Markey’s age throughout the race, calling for "generational change" and age limits for members of Congress.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by The Associated Press, which cites from U.S. Sen. Edward Markey and U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton during a recent Massachusetts debate. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.