Marblehead native Rep. Seth Moulton faced U.S. Sen. Ed Markey in their debate for the Democratic nomination for Markey’s U.S. Senate seat.
The debate, hosted by WWLP in Chicopee on July 8, largely centered on Moulton’s argument that Democrats need a new generation of leadership and Markey’s defense of his decades-long record in Congress.
Moulton argued repeatedly that Democrats need “a new playbook” after recent electoral setbacks and should invest in younger leaders.
“We need someone who is going to change the playbook, invest in a new generation of leaders and start making Democrats win again,” Moulton said.
Markey argued that his age (80) should not be an issue.
“It’s not your age; it’s the age of your ideas,” Markey said. “In this race, I’m the youngest guy.”
One of the debate’s sharpest exchanges focused on financial disclosures. Markey accused Moulton of profiting from investments in private companies with defense-sector ties while serving on the House Armed Services Committee. Moulton rejected the criticism, saying his investments comply with congressional ethics rules.
Moulton accused Markey of investing in 14 companies that appeared before the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, on which Markey served. Markey countered that all his investments were in public mutual funds, adding that anyone can invest in those.
The candidates also clashed over health care. Markey reaffirmed his support for Medicare for All, while Moulton said he supports universal health coverage but questioned whether a single-payer system is politically achievable in the current Congress.
Markey accused Moulton of targeting vulnerable young people, referencing Moulton’s 2024 comment that he would not want his own daughters playing sports against trans girl athletes.
Moulton responded that Democrats should be willing to engage in difficult conversations on the issue rather than avoid them. He also noted his support for LGBTQ+ rights, including voting for federal nondiscrimination legislation and co-sponsoring the Transgender Bill of Rights.
Despite their disagreements, the candidates found common ground on several issues, including support for protecting Haitian immigrants with Temporary Protected Status and opposition to many Trump administration policies. They also shared disappointment over the Boston Celtics’ trade of Jaylen Brown.
Two additional Democratic primary debates are scheduled for Aug. 3 and Aug. 20 before the Sept. 1 primary. The winner will advance to the November general election.
