Ocasio-Cortez backs Markey in Massachusetts Senate primary

Democratic Sen. Ed Markey (Mass.) received a boost to his reelection bid Thursday with an endorsement from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). Markey is engaged in a competitive Democratic primary race against Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.). The two candidates have sought to build upon a growing antiestablishment sentiment in the Democratic Party in their campaigns. Moulton has said it is time for generational change in his bid to replace the 80-year-old incumbent senator, while Markey has argued his “experience is not the opposite of change.” Ocasio-Cortez lauded Markey’s legislative record on issues like affordability and clean energy, citing their work together on the Green New Deal in Congress. “At a time when powerful special interests are making life harder for everyday Americans, Massachusetts working families need a champion in the U.S. Senate to stand up for them and fight corporate greed,” Ocasio-Cortez said in a statement. “Ed Markey has spent his career doing exactly that, from our partnership on the Green New Deal to running his campaign without accepting a dime of corporate PAC money,” she continued. “His work is an inspiration to many of us who are committed to building a better future for all, and that’s why I’m proud to endorse him.” Markey and Moulton will face off in a final debate Thursday evening ahead of the primary election on Sept. 1. The incumbent senator thanked Ocasio-Cortez for her support in a statement Thursday morning. Markey is also backed by …