Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorses Ed Markey in Massachusetts Senate primary, backing Democratic incumbent

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Sen. Ed Markey in the Massachusetts Democratic Senate primary on Thursday, according to The Hill, adding a high-profile backer to Markey’s reelection effort.

Markey, a Democratic incumbent, is seeking another term in the Senate and is now facing a competitive primary challenge from Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), setting up a clash within the Democratic Party for the nomination.

The Markey-Moulton race has been framed by both campaigns as part of a wider struggle within the party over how to position against the political establishment, with both candidates attempting to capitalize on voter sentiment that favors nontraditional approaches.

The endorsement from Ocasio-Cortez, a nationally prominent House member, is likely to increase attention and fundraising interest around Markey’s campaign as the primary continues to draw scrutiny for its internal Democratic stakes.

Moulton’s challenge to the incumbent has been described in the reporting as part of the same antiestablishment energy, with the two candidates working to convince Democratic primary voters that they best represent the direction the party should take.

The Hill reported that the two campaigns have sought to build upon growing antiestablishment sentiment within the Democratic Party, an approach that has become more common in intraparty races as voters weigh candidates’ ties to established political networks.

With Ocasio-Cortez’s endorsement, Markey’s campaign gains an additional proof point of support from the party’s progressive wing at a time when the nomination remains contested and attention is focused on which Democrat will proceed to the general election.