Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts has positioned himself as a staunch advocate for transgender rights in a closely watched Democratic primary race against Representative Seth Moulton. Staying firmly in support of transgender athletes’ participation in sports, Markey’s stance contrasts with a growing reticence among many other prominent Democrats on the issue.
As the primary approaches this Tuesday, Markey, 80, has criticized Moulton for comments made shortly after the 2024 election, in which Moulton suggested that the Democratic Party’s position on transgender issues contributed to its electoral losses. Moulton stated his concern as a father of two girls about transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, a remark that sparked backlash from progressive activists and some within his own campaign, including the resignation of his campaign manager.
Markey has framed support for transgender rights as a core Massachusetts value, stating that allowing trans athletes to compete aligns with the state’s character. His defenders, including transgender activist Dallas Ducar, have praised his willingness to address transgender rights openly, contrasting it with other Democrats they view as avoiding the topic. Charlotte Clymer, a liberal activist and strategist who is transgender, described Markey as “the only one who is really talking about this front and center.”
Moulton, 47, who challenges Markey from a more moderate position, has maintained that while he supports transgender rights generally—including backing legislation Markey authored known as the "transgender bill of rights"—he believes many voters are uneasy about full integration of transgender athletes in youth sports. He has apologized for the hurt his earlier comments might have caused but has not retracted the concerns he expressed about sports participation.
Moulton accused Markey of making transgender rights a divisive political tool, comparing it to tactics used by Republicans. He contended that Massachusetts Democrats should consider the national political landscape and select a candidate capable of appealing to a broader electorate to help rebuild a governing majority in Washington.
The primary contest also highlights generational and ideological divisions within the Democratic Party. Moulton, who first entered Congress in 2014 after defeating a longtime incumbent and subsequently led an unsuccessful bid to block Nancy Pelosi’s speakership, has positioned himself as a break from party orthodoxy. He has criticized both Markey’s age and approach, suggesting the party requires new leadership following President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s failed re-election campaign.
Polling indicates Markey holds a lead in the race, and given Massachusetts’ strong Democratic lean, the primary winner is expected to secure the Senate seat in the general election. As the contest enters its final days, both candidates continue to press their contrasting visions on transgender rights and the direction of the party.