Congressman Seth Moulton, a Democrat who grew up in Marblehead and lives in Salem, has announced that he is running against incumbent Ed Markey for U.S. Senate. Moulton, 46, is making his campaign about generational change.
In a video released today, Moulton says, “Our party has clung to the status quo, insisted on using the same old playbook and isn’t fighting hard enough. The next generation will keep paying the cost if we don’t change course. This isn’t a fight we can put off for another six years. The future we all believe in is on the line.”
In his announcement, Moulton says he “wants Massachusetts to lead the nation in big, forward-looking, progressive solutions that make life better for working people.” He focuses on the issues of affordability, health care, climate change and banning assault weapons.
Moulton also discusses his work in Congress, citing his authorship of a high-speed rail plan which he says would cut carbon emissions, create good-paying union jobs and lead to record investments in affordable housing. And he details passage of his bipartisan 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline that has connected over 13 million people in crisis to critical health support.
Moulton says Americans need to be willing to have difficult conversations. “We’re in crisis, and with everything we learned last election, I just don’t believe Sen. Markey should be running for another six-year term at 80 years old. Even more, I don’t think someone who’s been in Congress for a half century is the right person to meet this moment and win the future. Senator Markey is a good man, but it’s time for a new generation of leadership. And that’s why I’m running for U.S. Senate.”
Moulton came under fire earlier this year when he said he wouldn’t want his daughters playing sports against trans athletes. However, he voted against a bill banning transgender women and girls from participating in school athletic programs designated for female students.
Emily DeJoy with the Marblehead Republican Town Committee told the Current that Moulton is “not an asset” for the state. “His record in Congress reflects a consistently liberal approach to policy, often supporting higher taxes, increased government spending and regulations that burden small businesses. We believe Massachusetts deserves leaders who prioritize fiscal responsibility, individual liberty and policies that strengthen families and communities over political ambition.”
DeJoy added: “As for his House seat, we hope to see a candidate emerge who embodies these conservative principles- someone committed to economic growth, public safety, and accountable, principled leadership that truly represents the people of Massachusetts.”
Anne Gugino Carrigan, who leads Marblehead’s Democratic Town Committee reacted this way: “Democracy is alive and well, and our committee will support the fairly elected winner, but at this stage the committee is not endorsing either candidate. May the campaign begin.”
Moulton is a Marine veteran who served four tours in Iraq. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Harvard College. He entered politics in 2014.
Moulton briefly ran for president in the 2020 election. He withdrew from the race in August 2019.
Last month, the Current contacted state Rep. Jenny Armini, of Marblehead, and Sen. Brendan Crighton, of Lynn, to see if they had interest in running for Moulton’s House seat.
Crighton responded, “I would never rule anything out but right now I’m focused on our crucial work in the (Massachusetts) Senate.”
Armini answered, “The Massachusetts House is the only house I want to serve in. It’s where I can do the most good for Marblehead, Swampscott and Lynn.”
There is currently one candidate running for Moulton’s 6th District seat — Middleton resident Beth Andres-Beck.
Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.
