Geriatric Democrat Senator Fends Off Young-Blood Challenger In Rare Win For Old Guard

September 01, 2026 8:40 PM ET Democratic Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey defeated Democratic Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton Tuesday in a landslide, marking a rare win for the old-guard incumbents. Young Democratic candidates have largely defeated older incumbents in 2026 primary elections. Eighty-year-old Markey defied that precedent by beating 47-year-old Moulton, who is more moderate than the incumbent. Markey co-sponsored the Green New Deal, supported Medicare for All and received endorsements from independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Democratic New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democratic Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and “Squad” member Democratic Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley. Further-left candidates have won several races and defeated incumbents throughout the 2026