Massachusetts Democratic primary is a generational clash as Rep. Seth Moulton targets Sen. Ed Markey

signal an increasing appetite for change, U.S. Seth Moulton is hoping that momentum will help him oust longtime Massachusetts U.S. Ed Markey in Tuesday’s primary.Moulton, a moderate, is among the many Democrats who have called for generational change this year as they challenge much older opponents.Markey, 80, has been a fixture in Massachusetts politics since the 1970s and is seeking a third six-year term.

Moulton, 47, has repeatedly argued that the Democratic Party is stuck in the “status quo” and questioned Markey’s accomplishments during his lengthy time holding political office.“People ought to ask, what are you going to accomplish in the next six years that you haven’t been able to accomplish in the last 50?” Moulton said.Markey has pointed to Moulton’s more moderate positions to argue that it is Moulton — not the older incumbent — who is out of touch with Massachusetts voters. Markey has boasted about his 2022 climate bill and called for an end to the war in Iran to bring down energy costs.He also sharply criticized Moulton for opposing “Medicare for All” — though Moulton has called for universal healthcare.“He has a backwards-looking political agenda,” Markey said.In heavily Democratic Massachusetts, the primary is considered the most critical election hurdle, and the winner is expected to prevail in the general election in November.The Senate race is not the only generational challenge for Democrats on Tuesday's ballot. A similar dynamic is playing out in the 8th Congressional District, where Patrick Roath hopes to oust longtime incumbent Rep.

Stephen Lynch, and in the 1st Congressional District of western Massachusetts, where progressive public school teacher Jeromie Whalen is running against Rep. Richard Neal.Moulton's comments on transgender children have been an issueDuring the campaign Markey repeatedly pointed out that Moulton, in 2024, raised eyebrows among some in the party for saying he did not want his daughters playing sports against transgender girls.Critics said he was echoing President Donald Trump’s talking points against allowing transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports.Moulton has since apologized for his remarks, saying it was not his intention to hurt the transgender community and stressing his support for other transgender rights bills.“If you’re in the trans community or you’re a …