Boston Globe editorial board endorses Seth Moulton in Massachusetts Senate Democratic primary against Ed Markey

The Boston Globe’s editorial board announced it is endorsing Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) in the Massachusetts Senate Democratic primary, placing him against incumbent Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.). The endorsement comes as both Democrats seek their party’s nomination for the seat, with the Globe framing its choice as an argument for change within the Democratic Party.

In its statement, the Globe said Moulton “is promising that he can bring new vision and vigor to an aging, ailing, and deeply unpopular Democratic Party.” The editorial board added that “it is true that Markey…” before continuing with its case that Moulton should be the candidate going into the general election, according to The Hill’s account of the Globe’s endorsement.

The Globe’s endorsement represents one of the highest-profile endorsements available in a primary race that pits a sitting senator, Markey, against a member of the House, Moulton. Both are Democrats representing Massachusetts, meaning the nomination process is the deciding step for who will be positioned to compete in the general election under the party’s banner.

Primary endorsements from major newspapers typically aim to shape voter attention and clarify which candidate an editorial board believes is best positioned to represent the state. In this case, the Globe’s argument was centered on leadership renewal and contrasts with the incumbency, as reflected in its “new vision and vigor” framing for Moulton.

Neither the Globe endorsement nor The Hill’s report indicated a formal election-related action beyond the editorial board’s recommendation. Voters will still decide the Democratic nomination in the primary, and any further impacts would come through media attention, fundraising and turnout efforts by campaigns, and party discussion of the nomination.

The race remains within the Democratic primary for a Massachusetts Senate seat, with the Globe’s editorial board endorsement adding to the list of endorsements and statements that candidates may cite as they seek support from voters during the nomination process.