Overview
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez publicly endorsed Sen. Ed Markey on Thursday, citing their work on the Green New Deal and noting Markey’s refusal to take corporate PAC money.
- The endorsement arrived hours before the candidates’ third and final debate and gave Markey a high-profile boost in a race framed as a generational fight with Rep. Seth Moulton.
- Recent statewide polls show Markey with a double-digit lead over Moulton, a gap that several outlets reported this week and that can be hardened by early and mail ballots already being returned.
- Thursday’s debate underscored policy contrasts and flashpoints: Markey emphasized his progressive record on climate and health care while Moulton expanded an apology on past transgender remarks and pressed arguments about age and AI competence.
- The campaign’s close now turns on turnout and early ballots, with Markey’s national progressive endorsements and his 2019 Green New Deal partnership with AOC reinforcing the coalition that helped him survive a high-profile 2020 primary challenge.