Politicians react to Ed Markey’s Senate primary victory over Joe Kennedy

Politicians across the state are weighing in on Sen. Ed Markey’s victory over challenger Rep. Joe Kennedy III in the Massachusetts primary election.

The Democratic primary marks the first time a Kennedy has lost a run for federal office in Massachusetts, with the 74-year-old incumbent from Malden holding on to his seat in the Senate for now with about 55.5 percent of the vote, with more than 93 percent of precincts reporting.

In his victory speech, Markey credited the support he received from young people, while Kennedy, in his concession speech, pledged his support to the senator in the general election. In November, Markey will face Republican challenger Kevin J. O’Connor.

“The senator is a good man,” Kennedy told his supporters. “You have never heard me say otherwise. It was difficult at times between us. Good elections often get heated. But I’m grateful for the debate, for his commitment to our commonwealth, and for the energy and enthusiasm that he brought to this race.”

Both men received praise and words of encouragement from local colleagues as news of the results broke, regardless of the endorsements that were handed out before the polls opened Tuesday.

“You ran a strong campaign that inspired many, @JoeKennedy,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who backed Markey in the race but taught the 39-year-old at Harvard, said on Twitter. “I know your righteous fights are far from over.”

The reaction wasn’t just limited to locals. Politicians across the country, from New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to New Jersey Sen. Corey Booker to President Donald Trump, commented on the results of the race.

On a personal note, when I first got to Congress the reception I got in many spaces was v chilly.

Ed Markey wasn’t afraid. He offered his expertise & partnership. He wasn’t scared of big policy & didn’t use kid gloves.

It‘s great to watch him overcome the odds and win tonight. https://t.co/lFjlu4AUiQ

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) September 2, 2020

Congratulations to my friend @EdMarkey on his big primary victory tonight! Our country needs Ed’s progressive leadership in Washington now more than ever. I was proud to support him and am eager to continue our work together in the Senate.

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) September 2, 2020

See, even a Kennedy isn’t safe in the new Radical Left Democrat Party. Taxes up big, no 2A. Biden has completely lost control. Pelosi strongly backed the loser! https://t.co/DKYVBpbpP7

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 2, 2020

Below, what members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation and other local elected officials had to say about the results of the hotly contested race.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren

Congratulations, @EdMarkey! I’m excited to continue fighting alongside you in the Senate, where we need your bold leadership more than ever. https://t.co/NvJc5ZvbGh

— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) September 2, 2020

You ran a strong campaign that inspired many, @JoeKennedy. I know your righteous fights are far from over.

— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) September 2, 2020

Rep. Jim McGovern

Congrats @edmarkey! Ed is a progressive champion who sounded the alarm on the climate crisis early on & has been working for change ever since. I’m proud to call him our Senator & ready to keep fighting together for our shared values. Now: let’s make the Green New Deal a reality!

— Jim McGovern (@McGovernMA) September 2, 2020

Ed & Joe are both honorable, kind, considerate public servants. They care very deeply about making our country a better place. We’d be better off if every election featured candidates of their caliber.

Now, on to November as one team. Let’s win this.

— Jim McGovern (@McGovernMA) September 2, 2020

Rep. Lori Trahan

Congratulations on an incredible win to my good friend and our Senator, @EdMarkey! I’ve been #StickingWithEd since day one, and I couldn’t be prouder.

Massachusetts is stronger with you and the Markeyverse fighting for us in the U.S. Senate! pic.twitter.com/zbfVjm8aEI

— Lori Trahan (@LoriTrahanMA) September 2, 2020

Rep. Katherine Clark

Congratulations, @EdMarkey, and your bold, people-powered movement. Your long fight for environmental justice is a fight for us all. https://t.co/GnG8ZNYAqP

— Katherine Clark (@KatherineClark) September 2, 2020

Rep. Ayanna Pressley

Congratulations, @EdMarkey. You built a diverse, people-powered coalition and won on a mandate for bold, progressive policy. Massachusetts is sending a fighter back to the Senate. pic.twitter.com/Z3SasevTGX

— Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) September 2, 2020

Your campaign energized and encouraged so many MA residents @joekennedy no doubt there are meaningful chapters ahead

— Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) September 2, 2020

Rep. Seth Moulton

Senator Markey has been an agitator his entire life, someone who’s proven he’s willing to stake out unpopular positions because he believes they are right, and push for change when the political establishment resists it.

We need that now more than ever. pic.twitter.com/2QCLsLXgtl

— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) September 2, 2020

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey

Congrats to our current and FUTURE Senator @EdMarkey! We are lucky to have you standing up for us in Washington for another six years. Let’s get to work!

— Maura Healey (@maura_healey) September 2, 2020

I have such respect for @joekennedy. He is a person of immense integrity and he should be proud of the race he ran. I know whatever Joe does next, we will all be better for it.

— Maura Healey (@maura_healey) September 2, 2020

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh

Congrats to Sen. @EdMarkey and all the winners tonight! Now it’s on to November 3rd for @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris #BuildBackBetter #TeamJoe

— Marty Walsh (@MartyForBoston) September 2, 2020

Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone

Ed! Markey! https://t.co/jEUep04IfB

— Joseph A. Curtatone (@JoeCurtatone) September 2, 2020