Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey is actively soliciting campaign donations as he prepares for his reelection bid, despite the ongoing federal government shutdown. In a recent email to his supporters, Markey expressed concern over his campaign’s financial situation, stating, “the money isn’t there.” This outreach comes as he faces a primary challenge from fellow Democrat Seth Moulton, who has positioned himself as representing a new generation of leadership.
The 79-year-old Senator, who has served in Congress since 1976 and the past twelve years in the Senate, emphasized the importance of grassroots support. “I know from experience that I can rely on this movement to help fill the gap with grassroots donations,” he wrote in his message to followers. Markey noted that his campaign team indicated they still need to raise additional funds to meet their budget for October.
In particular, Markey pointed out that if approximately 230 individuals contributed today, they could reach their fundraising goal before the looming deadline. The urgency is heightened by Moulton’s recent announcement of his candidacy, which has intensified competition in the race for the Senate seat.
Moulton, who has represented Massachusetts’s 6th Congressional District since 2015, has been vocal about Markey’s age, suggesting that it is time for younger leadership. In his campaign launch video, Moulton called for a shift towards a new generation in politics, a message that resonates with some constituents eager for change.
While Markey has approximately $2,662,200 available for his campaign, Moulton has reported a total of $2,125,110, according to data from the Federal Election Commission. Moulton’s fundraising efforts have gained momentum, having raised an additional $500,000 since declaring his candidacy in mid-October, indicating a robust financial backing.
Moulton has also made headlines for his stance regarding the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). He recently decided to return around $35,000 in donations from the pro-Israel group, asserting that while he supports Israel’s right to exist, he cannot align with AIPAC’s recent positions under Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government.
In the Republican camp, John Deaton, who previously challenged Senator Elizabeth Warren, has not ruled out a bid against Markey. The 57-year-old has indicated that he may announce his intentions soon, while also promoting an upcoming event in Worcester on November 10, 2023, described as an “exclusive announcement.” Deaton’s potential candidacy adds another layer of complexity to an already competitive race.
John Milligan, executive director of the Massachusetts Republican Party, commented on Deaton’s prospects, stating, “Markey is beatable. He’s been part of the problem for over 50 years.” Milligan emphasized that Deaton has received significant encouragement and feedback from constituents, highlighting his appeal as a younger candidate.
As the race heats up, Markey’s campaign strategy will likely focus on mobilizing grassroots support to counter the financial backing of his challengers. With the federal government shutdown continuing, the implications for campaign financing remain a critical issue for all candidates involved.
