Incumbent Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., clashed on several key progressive issues during their final debate ahead of the Sept. 1 Democratic primary. The candidates debated transgender athletes in women's sports, the abolishment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), term limits in Congress, and the growing influence of socialism within the Democratic Party.
On the issue of transgender athletes in women's sports, both candidates stated that biological males should be permitted to compete. Markey affirmed, "Yes, I do," when asked if that should be allowed, citing current Massachusetts law. The debate became more heated when Markey accused Moulton of using transgender athletes as "political fodder" after Moulton made remarks two years prior about not wanting his young daughters to be "run over on a playing field by a male or formerly male athlete." Moulton apologized for his past comments, stating his intention was to preempt Republican framing of the issue.
Both Democrats expressed a desire to abolish ICE, with Moulton labeling the agency as "completely corrupt" and "staffed by thugs." Markey stated he opposed ICE's creation from the outset due to "seeds of authoritarianism."
The candidates also turned their attention to former President Donald Trump, with Markey calling for his impeachment and accusing him of attempting to "steal the election this fall" through legislation like the SAVE America Act. Moulton criticized the Democratic Party establishment, particularly Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, for what he described as an ineffectiveness in holding Trump accountable and in winning national majorities.
Regarding the increasing presence of democratic socialists in the party, both Markey and Moulton urged the Democratic Party to embrace this shift and move further left. Markey suggested the party should focus on priorities favored by young voters, such as Medicare for All and a Green New Deal. Moulton pointed to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as an example of a politician focused on affordability and breaking from the party establishment.
The debate also touched upon term limits and age in Congress. Markey, first elected to the House in 1976, defended his ability to continue serving, asserting his energy levels. Moulton, who supports term limits, suggested that there should also be "upper age limits" for members of Congress.
The winner of the Sept. 1 primary will face Republican John Deaton in the general election.