Who Is Running for Senate in Massachusetts in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Edward Markey
(Incumbent)Economy
HighEdward Markey supports creating good-paying union jobs through clean energy development, aiming to break reliance on fossil fuels. He co-sponsors the No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act to stop incentives for corporations to move jobs abroad, advocating for a fair tax system. He also supports the Green New Deal and eliminating fossil fuel subsidies via the Stop Giving Big Oil Free Money Act.
Immigration
HighSenator Edward Markey strongly advocates for the abolition of ICE and has stated his intention to vote against any appropriations bill providing funding to the Department of Homeland Security, believing such funding supports "murder." He champions due process for immigrants, introducing the SHIELD Act to ensure legal representation in immigration proceedings. Markey also supports a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and other immigrants, and opposes the use of the National Guard for immigration enforcement.
Healthcare
HighSenator Edward Markey supports a single-payer "Medicare for All" health insurance system, believing healthcare is a right. He advocates for expanding Medicare to include comprehensive dental, vision, and hearing care. Markey introduced legislation to expand the public health nursing workforce and has fought to protect and strengthen Medicare and Medicaid. He also voted against the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, stating it prioritized military spending over healthcare, and supports gender-affirming care.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Edward Markey |
|---|---|
| Economy | Edward Markey supports creating good-paying union jobs through clean energy development, aiming to break reliance on fossil fuels. He co-sponsors the No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act to stop incentives for corporations to move jobs abroad, advocating for a fair tax system. He also supports the Green New Deal and eliminating fossil fuel subsidies via the Stop Giving Big Oil Free Money Act. High |
| Immigration | Senator Edward Markey strongly advocates for the abolition of ICE and has stated his intention to vote against any appropriations bill providing funding to the Department of Homeland Security, believing such funding supports "murder." He champions due process for immigrants, introducing the SHIELD Act to ensure legal representation in immigration proceedings. Markey also supports a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and other immigrants, and opposes the use of the National Guard for immigration enforcement. High |
| Healthcare | Senator Edward Markey supports a single-payer "Medicare for All" health insurance system, believing healthcare is a right. He advocates for expanding Medicare to include comprehensive dental, vision, and hearing care. Markey introduced legislation to expand the public health nursing workforce and has fought to protect and strengthen Medicare and Medicaid. He also voted against the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, stating it prioritized military spending over healthcare, and supports gender-affirming care. High |
| Climate & Energy | Senator Edward Markey voted against the 2026 Minibus Appropriations Package, citing its failure to safeguard offshore wind, public health, and clean energy initiatives. He co-authored the 2009 Waxman-Markey Act, proposing to cut global warming emissions and increase renewable electricity use. Markey has a history of environmental advocacy, including authoring the 2007 fuel economy law and the 1987 appliance efficiency act, and has received endorsements from groups like the League of Conservation Voters. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Edward Markey condemned the overturning of Roe v. Wade, stating it jeopardizes health and freedom. He advocates for Congress to pass the Women’s Health and Protection Act to codify Roe v. Wade into law, even suggesting the abolition of the Senate filibuster. Markey also supports expanding the Supreme Court and champions transgender rights, having co-reintroduced the Transgender Bill of Rights. High |
| Foreign Policy | Edward Markey opposes increased defense spending, evidenced by his vote against the $1 trillion National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, which he stated prioritizes "warfare over health care." He advocates for arms control, urging the Trump administration to renew the New START treaty with Russia to prevent a nuclear arms race. Markey, a founder of the Nuclear Freeze movement, also criticizes nuclear proliferation, expressing concern over potential uranium enrichment by Saudi Arabia. High |
| Education | Senator Edward Markey created the E-Rate program as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which has since provided over $75 billion, including over $1 billion to Massachusetts, to ensure high-speed internet access for students and educators. He states that access to information should not depend on a child's zip code or family income, aiming to unlock student potential. He also received an endorsement from the Boston Teachers Union. High |
| Gun Policy | Edward Markey supports gun control reforms, including universal background checks for all firearm sales, reinstituting the assault weapons ban, and making gun trafficking a federal crime. He successfully advocated for an emergency moratorium on imported military-style assault weapons in 1994 and co-sponsored a proposal to ban bump stocks. He also proposed a "smart gun" bill in 2015 to equip handguns with technology restricting use to the purchaser. High |
Get updates on Massachusetts Senate
Enter your email to be notified when candidate profiles are complete.