Kennedy Says He’s Considering Senate Run, Responds to Opposers

FALL RIVER — Congressman Joe Kennedy III is responding to rumors, and backlash from some, that he is considering a run at Senator Ed Markey’s seat in the 2020 elections.

The U.S. Representative announced that he is considering a Senate run, while also responding to backlash from progressive liberals upset the 39-year-old politician has even questioned the idea of unseating Markey, a massive supporter of progressive initiatives like the Green New Deal.

Markey has also received the endorsement of fellow Senator and 2020 presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren, who last week posted a video statement calling Markey “a leader, he’s a fighter and he is a true progressive.”

In a post to his official Facebook page on Monday, Kennedy outlined his thoughts for the 2020 elections, saying that his young family is still deciding factor he’s mulling over, while also leaving a message for those against a another Kennedy Senate campaign in Massachusetts.

“Over the past few weeks I've begun to consider a run for the U.S. Senate. This isn't a decision I'm approaching lightly and -- to be completely candid -- I wasn't expecting to share my thoughts so soon. Family is my first consideration with any big decision like this. Lauren and I have two little kids under the age of four. We're incredibly lucky to have the support and resources that we do, but like every young family, we struggle daily to balance it all. So we have been taking the time to talk through what an endeavor like this would mean for us, and for Ellie and James, in particular,” Kennedy said.

“But I'm happy to put this on the table for you now. I haven't reached a decision yet -- that's the truth. I'm thinking about what I have to offer Massachusetts voters, what is most important in this political moment, and what kind of party Democrats need to be building for the future.”

Kennedy went on in the post to addresses those opposing his potential Senatorial bid, saying he’s been thinking about what he has to offer the Bay State, “what is most important in this political moment, and what kind of party Democrats need to be building for the future.”

“I hear the folks who say I should wait my turn, but with due respect -- I'm not sure this is a moment for waiting. Our system has been letting down a lot of people for a long time, and we can't fix it if we don't challenge it. I've got some ideas on how to do that. And I don’t think our democratic process promises anyone a turn. What it does promise is the chance for anyone to earn it — if we think we have something to offer and are willing to put ourselves and our ideas out there,” Kennedy continued.

“I am humbled by the words and actions of so many people supporting my potential candidacy. It means the world. I plan to spend the next couple weeks talking to as many of you as I can, trying to figure out if this campaign is right for me and right for Massachusetts.”

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.