Ed Markey Earns High Favorability in New Massachusetts Poll

Ed Markey, the 79-year-old junior U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, scores high marks among Massachusetts voters with nearly off-the-charts favorability, according to a new Suffolk University/Boston Globe Poll.

Ed Markey’s Long Political Career

Keep in mind, the Democratic son of a milkman will be 80 years old before any ballots are cast in this fall's primary and general elections.

Markey was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1976, the year I graduated from New Bedford High School.

After serving in the House for 37 years, Markey was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he remains to this day. If Markey has his way, he will win another six-year term in November.

In his younger days, Markey was known as "Eddy the Ice Cream Man" as he peddled ice cream treats through the streets of Malden from the back of a truck.

Poll Numbers Show Strong Support

Markey scores an 84 percent favorability rating and a 9.4 percent unfavorability rating in the poll. Only 4.8 percent are undecided. Congressman Seth Moulton, who is challenging Markey in the Democratic primary, has a 55.20 percent favorability rating versus a 15.80 percent unfavorability rating.

The high rankings persist even as some doubt Markey still lives in Massachusetts.

READ MORE: Sen. Ed Markey Claims His Humble Home Is in Malden, MA

How Other Massachusetts Leaders Compare

Governor Maura Healey, who some think is facing a tough re-election this fall, scored 81.20 percent favorability compared to 12 percent unfavorability. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll is viewed favorably by 42 percent, versus seven percent who view her unfavorably. The poll shows 30 percent unsure about Driscoll's favorability.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu earned a 76.8 percent approval rating in the poll, Rep. Ayanna Pressley scored 65 percent, State Auditor Diana DiZoglio collected 30.8 percent, and 44.4 percent regard former Congressman Joe Kennedy III favorably.