Much of the political attention in the country is focused on the presidential election in November. However, for a brief period this summer, it turned to a state many think of as solidly blue: Massachusetts. Democratic Rep. Joe Kennedy III challenged incumbent Sen. Ed Markey for his seat in the Senate, one he’s held since 2013. Markey beat the challenge on September 1 and has been further catapulted into the national spotlight.
His advertising efforts certainly didn’t hurt, either:
Analysts and pundits have pointed to Markey’s support of the Green New Deal, a bill championed by progressive New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as a reason why he was embraced by younger, more liberal voters, going against the prevailing political theory that such a coalition wanted to do away with long-serving incumbents.
Now, Markey is facing a challenge from Republican Kevin O’Connor in the general election, a race that he’s expected to win. The two are set to square off in a single televised debate before the 2020 general election.
What are Markey’s policy priorities heading into November? What does he plan to do if re-elected?
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