BOSTON, MA — In a move that reaffirms the strength of the Massachusetts progressive coalition, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu officially endorsed U.S. Senator Ed Markey for reelection on Monday. The endorsement comes as Markey, 79, prepares for a high-profile Democratic primary challenge in the 2026 midterm cycle.
The announcement was made just one day before Markey is set to boycott President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, a symbolic gesture of defiance that both he and Wu have framed as standing up for “Boston values” against the current administration’s policies.
A Partnership Built on Results
Mayor Wu, who recently secured a second term in an unopposed general election, praised Markey as a “visionary partner” who has consistently delivered for the city. She highlighted several key collaborations that have shaped her administration’s agenda:
- Fare-Free Transit: Markey and Representative Ayanna Pressley partnered with Wu to introduce the Freedom to Move Act, inspired by Boston’s successful fare-free bus pilots.
- Infrastructure: The duo recently secured $472 million to replace the North Shore Draw One Bridge, a critical project for modernizing rail capacity at North Station.
- Climate Action: Both leaders have been champions of a municipal “Green New Deal,” working to decarbonize the city’s economy and protect waterfront neighborhoods from rising sea levels.
“Senator Markey has been a longstanding partner for Boston families, standing strong on our values and delivering results by bringing resources and solutions,” Mayor Wu said in a statement. “I am grateful for our continued partnership here in Boston and pleased to endorse him for reelection.”
Navigating the 2026 Primary
Markey’s reelection bid faces a challenge from U.S. Representative Seth Moulton, who announced his primary campaign last fall. While critics have pointed to Markey’s age—he will be 80 by the time of the election—the Senator has dismissed calls for generational change, famously stating, “It’s not your age, it’s the age of your ideas.”
Early polling suggests Markey holds a significant advantage. A November UMass Amherst/WCVB poll showed Markey leading Moulton 51% to 28% among likely Democratic primary voters. Wu’s endorsement is seen as a strategic “seal of approval” from the city’s popular progressive wing, potentially neutralizing Moulton’s efforts to gain traction in the state’s largest voting bloc.
The “Malden” Fire
Responding to the endorsement, Markey returned the praise, calling Wu one of the “boldest and most visionary leaders in America today.” He framed his campaign as a necessary roadblock to the Trump-Vance administration, particularly on issues of transgender rights and climate policy.
“Donald Trump is bringing out the Malden in me,” Markey said, referencing his blue-collar roots. “Together, [Michelle and I] will continue to fight back against the chaos and make sure Boston stays No. 1 in innovation, in equity, and in opportunity.”
