Ocasio-Cortez backs Markey in Massachusetts Senate primary

Democratic Sen. Ed Markey (Mass.) received a boost to his reelection bid Thursday with an endorsement from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).

Markey is engaged in a competitive Democratic primary race against Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.). The two candidates have sought to build upon a growing antiestablishment sentiment in the Democratic Party in their campaigns.

Moulton has said it is time for generational change in his bid to replace the 80-year-old incumbent senator, while Markey has argued his “experience is not the opposite of change.”

Ocasio-Cortez lauded Markey’s legislative record on issues like affordability and clean energy, citing their work together on the Green New Deal in Congress.

“At a time when powerful special interests are making life harder for everyday Americans, Massachusetts working families need a champion in the U.S. Senate to stand up for them and fight corporate greed,” Ocasio-Cortez said in a statement .

“Ed Markey has spent his career doing exactly that, from our partnership on the Green New Deal to running his campaign without accepting a dime of corporate PAC money,” she continued. “His work is an inspiration to many of us who are committed to building a better future for all, and that’s why I’m proud to endorse him.”

Markey and Moulton will face off in a final debate Thursday evening ahead of the primary election on Sept. 1.

The incumbent senator thanked Ocasio-Cortez for her support in a statement Thursday morning. Markey is also backed by progressives like Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (Mass.).

“We introduced the Green New Deal to tackle the climate crisis, lower costs, and build an economy that works for working people, not corporations and billionaires,” Markey said. “I am incredibly proud to have her endorsement and look forward to continuing to fight alongside her for the livable future we deserve.”

Moulton has garnered support from Democrats like New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Reps. Derek Tran (Calif.), Chrissy Houlahan (Pa.), Seth Magaziner (R.I.) and Pat Ryan (N.Y.).