As the Massachusetts Primary Election approaches on September 1st, one of the most-watched races in the Commonwealth is for United States Senate. Incumbent Senator Ed Markey (D) is being challenged for the Democratic nomination by Congressman Seth Moulton (D - 6th Massachusetts). Markey has had a long career in Washington, DC. First elected to the House of Representatives in November 1976, Markey has been the Junior Senator from Massachusetts since 2013 when he replaced John Kerry who became Secretary of State.

At an event in Worcester Spectrum News spoke with Senator Markey, who turned 80 years old in July, why he is seeking another six-year term in the Senate. Senator Markey, "We need Medicare for all. Everyone's health care should be guaranteed. We need to continue the Green Revolution. We have to fight for it, earn it, and then implement it. We have to make sure that we protect all of the educational programs, all of the health care programs that Donald Trump is assaulting."

Markey continued that his age and experience are positives, not negatives, "I have the experience, I have the know-how, and I have the fight to win next year, beginning in January, to restore and expand all of those programs."

This is the second election cycle where Senator Markey has been challenged in a primary. In the 2020 election, Joseph Kennedy III challenged Markey for the Democratic nomination and lost. Markey welcomed the challenge, "We're the heartbeat of democracy. We believe in it. And actually challenges make the system, make democracy even stronger. And so for me, it just brings out the best in me and energizes me every single day. And I'm looking forward to ultimately election day so that the people get a chance to decide."

The Massachusetts Primary Election is Tuesday, September 1st. Early voting is currently underway in the Commonwealth and runs through August 28th.