Elizabeth Warren Endorses Ed Markey’s 2020 Re-election Bid

BOSTON — With talk of the 2020 elections heating up, U.S. Senator Edward Markey has picked up the endorsement of the Bay State’s Senior Senator.

U.S. Senator and 2020 presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren made the announcement in a Youtube video on Monday, calling Markey “a champion in the Senate” for Massachusetts.

“Senator Elizabeth Warren here to throw my full support behind my great partner in the United States Senate, Ed Markey. We need Ed Markey in the Senate now more than ever,” Warren said.

“And here’s why: because he’s a leader, he’s a fighter and he is a true progressive.”

Warren referred to Markey as “my friend and my partner in the Senate,” while directly speaking to progressive Democrats by highlighting Markey’s work in key issues on the left such as climate change, gun control and abortion.

“On climate change, Ed is leading the movement for the Green New Deal. He has spent his career as our country’s greatest champion for clean energy jobs and as big oil’s worst nightmare. It’s his legislation that would make the strong gun laws in Massachusetts a model for the entire country. “He’s giving hope to those suffering from the opioid crisis by expanding treatment centers and recovery services. And he’s fighting to protect for pre-existing conditions, lower drug costs, and to make universal healthcare a reality,” said Warren.

“On the big issues facing Massachusetts, Ed is our greatest champion in the Senate. From economic justice to net neutrality to a woman’s right to choose, he is on the front lines. We need Ed Markey in the Senate to keep our country and our commonwealth moving forward.”

The endorsement comes just days after rumors that U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III was considering a run at Markey’s seat surfaced. So far, Kennedy’s staff has said he is not interested in chasing a Senate seat this election.

Markey is already facing a challenge from Shannon Liss-Riordan, a workers' rights lawyer and graduate of Harvard Law School and Harvard College. New Bedford native Steve Pemberton, a former senior executive at Walgreens, has also announced his candidacy. He graduated from Boston College.

“Ed is my friend and my partner in the Senate. I’ve got his back and I know that he will always have yours,” Warren said to close out the video endorsement.

“Let’s get Ed Markey re-elected to the Senate. Thank you.”

As of the end of June, Markey reported having more than $4 million in his campaign account.