Moulton’s campaign highlights his focus on affordability (such as lowering the cost of living in Massachusetts), pushing for universal health care, banning assault weapons, protecting democracy, and addressing climate change. While Sen. Markey is recognized for championing progressive causes, Moulton is positioning himself as a new-generation leader who can address these issues with fresh energy and ideas.

Sen. Markey, who has held public office for nearly 40 years (originally as a U.S. Representative for 37 years before becoming a senator), faced a serious primary challenge in 2020 and needed the support of progressive allies to win. The 2024/2025 race with Moulton represents another major challenge, testing whether Markey’s long tenure and progressive achievements will appeal to voters as much as Moulton’s call for change.

Age has become a notable issue because Sen. Markey would be 80 at the start of a third term, and Moulton is using this to question Markey’s ability to provide new energy and ideas. While age is sometimes a factor in electoral politics, it is not historically a dominant theme in Massachusetts; this campaign may signal a more explicit use of generational change as a campaign message.

Key issues highlighted in the election include affordability (especially housing and living costs), universal health care, gun control (notably banning assault weapons), protection of democratic norms, and aggressive climate action. Both candidates are progressives, so the race may hinge more on leadership style, vision, and generational differences than on policy rifts.

The article does not specify, but historically, Massachusetts Democratic primaries attract endorsements and engagement from local and national figures. In 2020, Sen. Markey relied on progressive allies; it remains to be seen which groups or individuals will back Moulton or reaffirm support for Markey in this race.