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Markey says he’ll run again in 2026, at age 80
Sen. Ed Markey, who is currently 78, is determined to seek another six-year term, saying he is "more energized" than ever.
Sen. Ed Markey said over the weekend that he plans to run for reelection in 2026. Markey would be 80 years old on Election Day, and would be up for another six-year term.
Markey confirmed his intentions during an appearance on WCVB’s “On The Record” Sunday.
“This is the most energized I’ve ever been,” he said. “The issues are just absolutely critical to the long-term wellbeing of our country… It’s not your age, it’s the age of your ideas.”
That line echoes one used by allies of President Joe Biden earlier this year, as his campaign worked to fend off concerns about Biden’s fitness to run for a second term. His candidacy was torpedoed by a disastrous debate performance over the summer, and Vice President Kamala Harris has since sought to portray herself as a younger, more energetic alternative to former President Donald Trump. Some polling has found that a growing number of Americans think that Trump, now 78, is too old to be president.
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A recent UMass Amherst/WCVB poll found that 72% of Massachusetts residents support age limits for U.S. Senators. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who is running for reelection now, is 75. The median age of the current crop of senators is 65.3 years, continuing a trend of that chamber getting older and older.
“We don’t see much difference based on the age of the voter or what party they support. But, if we used the average age limit of 66 years that voters want, then both U.S. Sens. Markey, age 78, and Warren, age 75, would be out of a job,” Raymond La Raja, professor of political science at UMass Amherst and co-director of the poll, said in a release.
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On WCVB, Markey spoke about his desire to pass more legislation that tackles topics like climate change, social media safety for young people, and gun safety.
“I’m ready for the fight,” he said. “I’m ready to stand for reelection and that is my full intention.”
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