Marblehead native and Congressman Seth Moulton and Sen. Ed Markey faced off Thursday night in their third and final debate before the Sept. 1 Democratic primary for Markey’s seat.
Moulton, 47, again made Markey’s age and long tenure in Washington (50 years in the House and Senate) central to his case for replacing the 80-year-old incumbent, arguing that it is time for generational change.
“I respect the work that you’ve done and I’ve supported it, but it’s not enough,” Moulton said to Markey. “It’s time for a new generation of leadership.”
The age issue was front and center when the candidates were asked whether they ever use AI.
“I use whatever is inside my iPhone or my iPad, whatever comes up,” Markey answered. He later added, “It doesn’t make any difference whether it’s called Siri or it’s called Claude… We need to build safeguards around it.”
Moulton answered: “With all due respect, Senator, if you don’t even know what you’re using on your phone or your iPad, this is why we need a new generation of leaders to regulate these technologies to make sure that they are safe.”
Moulton supports term limits and an age limit in Congress. Markey does not.
“Everyone watching this debate can see that I’m more energized than I’ve ever been before,” Markey said. “If somebody can’t do the job, they should just step down. But I can do the job.”
Markey cited his experience pushing progressive causes, including co-authoring the Green New Deal resolution. Moulton argued that Markey’s efforts were “not enough” and noted that the Green New Deal itself did not pass Congress.
Moulton apologized again for his comments in 2024 that he would not want his young daughters playing against transgender athletes. He said he believes transgender athletes should be allowed to participate in girls sports “with a discussion about where we have issues of safety and fairness.”
Markey accused Moulton of throwing trans kids “under the bus” for political gain.
The candidates agreed on several issues, including the importance of fighting President Donald Trump, ending the Iran war and abolishing ICE.
In-person early voting begins this weekend at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St.
Sat., Aug. 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 24, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 25, 8:30a.m.-4 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 26, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 28, 8:30 a.m.-noon
The winner of the Sept. 1 primary will face Republican John Deaton in the November election.
