Filmmaker Ken Burns Endorses Senator Ed Markey for 2026 Midterms

Noted historian and documentary filmmaker Ken Burns has thrown his support to Massachusetts U.S. Senator Ed Markey in the 2026 midterm election.

Markey, who was first elected to Congress as a member of the House of Representatives when I was a senior at New Bedford High School in 1976, will be 80 years old when voters cast ballots in next November's general election.

Burns, now 72 years old, is a resident of Walpole, New Hampshire, and a longtime Democratic Party donor.

Ken Burns’ Endorsement: What He Said

In a YouTube video announcing the endorsement, Burns praised Markey's record. "He's our firewall in the Senate, standing up for social and economic justice, scientific progress, protecting civil rights, and delivering real change that improves real lives," Burns said.

Who Is Ken Burns?

Some of Burns' most noted works include The Civil War, Baseball, National Parks: America's Best Idea, The Roosevelts, The Vietnam War, and most recently, The American Revolution.

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"With so much at stake right now, there is no one better to lead our country through dark times, lighting a pathway forward toward a brighter, healthier, fairer, more peaceful, and hope-filled future," Burns said in his endorsement.

In a statement, Markey said he is "truly honored" to accept the endorsement from Burns.

Primary Field and Challenger Overview

Markey currently faces one opponent for the Democratic nomination, Representative Seth Moulton. Rep. Ayanna Pressley recently said that family considerations will keep her from entering the race. One hypothetical poll had Pressley ahead of Markey and Moulton.

Only one Republican, John Deaton, has declared for Markey's Senate seat to date.

In 2020, Markey fended off a primary challenge from Rep. Joseph Kennedy III to hang on to his seat.