The two Democratic candidates for the United States Senate in Massachusetts, incumbent Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Seth Moulton, participated in a debate on August 21, 2026, discussing various issues relevant to voters in the state. Key topics included the participation of transgender athletes in women's sports, immigration enforcement, and the influence of socialism within the Democratic Party.
Both candidates expressed support for allowing biological males to compete in female sports, with Markey affirming this stance. The debate became contentious when Markey criticized Moulton for previous comments regarding transgender athletes, accusing him of using the issue for political gain. Moulton apologized for his past remarks and emphasized the need for Democrats to address these issues proactively.
On immigration, both candidates called for the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with Moulton labeling the agency as corrupt. They also criticized former President Donald Trump and his administration's policies, with Markey advocating for Trump's impeachment.
Markey and Moulton discussed the need for the Democratic Party to embrace progressive policies, with Markey urging a focus on the priorities of younger voters. Moulton highlighted the importance of affordability and breaking from the party establishment. When asked about term limits, Markey defended his long tenure, while Moulton expressed support for implementing age limits for congressional candidates.
The winner of the Democratic primary on September 1 will face Republican candidate John Deaton in the general election.