BOSTON — Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts is defying expectations in his bid for reelection, maintaining strong support among younger voters despite being the oldest Senate Democrat running this year at age 80. Markey faces a primary challenge on Sept. 1 from Representative Seth Moulton, 47, who has campaigned on the need for “a new generation of leadership.”

While Markey’s age has been a focal point for his opponent, it appears less of a concern for many younger voters who prioritize political ideology and policy over age. Markey, first elected to the Senate in 2013 after nearly four decades in the House, continues to emphasize progressive policies addressing affordability, climate change, and the regulation of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

“Young people care more about whether their ideas align with the next generation rather than the politician’s age,” said Bailey Kelly, a 20-year-old student at Tufts University who supports Markey. The senator has echoed this view, stating in a recent debate, “It’s not your age, it’s the age of your ideas that are important. And in this race, I’m the youngest guy.”

Markey’s earlier fight in 2020 against then-Representative Joe Kennedy Jr., who challenged him as part of a youth movement within the Democratic Party, generated a vibrant online grassroots network known as the “Markeyverse.” Although that network has since diminished and fragmented, Markey still enjoys endorsements from youth advocacy groups such as Gen-Z for Change and Voters of Tomorrow, as well as prominent progressive figures like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Polling data collected by University of Massachusetts Amherst professor Tatishe Nteta indicates that Markey’s experience and progressive platform remain appealing to many young voters in Massachusetts. Nteta noted that while Markey’s age is widely recognized, it is not viewed negatively in most cases.

Moulton’s campaign, however, argues that after 50 years in Congress, it is time to pass the torch to new leadership. His advisors contend that dissatisfaction with the length of Markey’s tenure is prevalent, even among those who appreciate his past work. Nevertheless, Moulton's more centrist positions and past remarks on transgender athletes have alienated some liberal voters in Massachusetts.

While Markey made his name in fighting climate change, his messaging has shifted toward broader economic issues impacting younger generations, especially affordability. He frames initiatives like the Green New Deal and Medicare-for-all as solutions to rising costs, claiming credit for elements of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act that allocate approximately $370 billion toward emissions reduction and green technology. According to a Pew Research Center survey, inflation and affordability rank as top concerns for voters aged 18 to 29, outpacing concerns about climate change.

At a recent rally in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood, younger voters echoed these priorities. Alan Tanner, 28, cited struggles with rent and healthcare costs as key reasons for supporting Markey, particularly criticizing Moulton’s opposition to Medicare-for-all.

The race has also touched on emerging technology policies. When asked about his use of artificial intelligence platforms during a debate, Markey admitted unfamiliarity with the companies behind the AI on his devices. Moulton’s campaign seized on this to portray Markey as out of touch, though many younger supporters said Markey’s legislative record was more important than that moment.

The original Markeyverse community, which had mobilized supporters around his 2020 campaign, fractured following Markey’s diplomatic comments during the 2021 Israel-Hamas conflict. Some activists criticized his efforts to balance messaging, leading to internal tensions. Markey’s stance on the conflict and refusal to accept contributions from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee have garnered mixed reactions among progressive groups but did not prevent endorsements from the Sunrise Movement this cycle.

Moulton has pledged to reject future funds from AIPAC, highlighting his critique of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, though his attempts to appeal to left-leaning voters have been met with skepticism by some activists.

As the Democratic primary approaches, Markey remains confident his progressive record and focus on economic issues will resonate with Massachusetts voters. “It’s an agenda for their lives,” he said. For many young voters like Eddy Lambert, a 35-year-old Boston resident, the age of the candidate is secondary to the policies they advance. “Age doesn’t matter when it comes to Ed Markey,” Lambert said.