Massachusetts Democrats Joe Kennedy and Ed Markey to Debate
Two high-profile Democratic contenders for the same U.S. Senate seat will square off Tuesday night in an hour-long televised debate.
Sen. Ed Markey, 73, has been in Washington for decades and is a longtime net-neutrality advocate and co-author of the Green New Deal. Rep. Joe Kennedy III, 39, of the 4th Congressional District, hails from a famous political family. He won his seat in 2012, replacing Rep. Barney Frank, who retired.
While the two agree on many issues, Kennedy wants voters to pass the torch to a new generation. Markey is running on his experience and record. The debate will give viewers an opportunity to see how the candidates differentiate themselves.
Markey and Kennedy are each vying for a share of the state's Democratic base while also fundraising on the national level. In January, Markey had more than $4.5 million in his campaign chest, while Kennedy had around $5.5 million after out-raising Markey in the last two quarters of 2019.
In Southeastern Massachusetts, Kennedy's 4th District encompasses Attleboro, Berkley, Dighton, Easton, parts of Fall River, Freetown, Lakeville, Mansfield, North Attleborough, Norton, parts of Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Somerset, Swansea, and Taunton. The district reaches up into the Boston suburbs. Six Democrats are vying to replace Kennedy.
The Senate debate starts at 7 p.m. It will be televised on WGBH and can be watched online by clicking here.