Rep. Joe Kennedy (D-Mass.) scored a major endorsement in his bid to unseat longtime Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.)
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called on voters to choose Kennedy, in a video released by the Congressman’s campaign on Thursday.
“Never before have the times demanded we elect courageous leaders as today. And that’s why I’m proud to endorse Joe Kennedy for Senate,” Pelosi said.
“In 2018, when we took back the House, Joe campaigned across America to make that victory possible. He knows that to achieve progressive change, you must be on the front lines, leading movements of people.
She did not mention Markey in the ad.
Kennedy told supporters in a separate clip that he is “so grateful” to Pelosi for the endorsement.
“I am honored, I am touched, I am thrilled for a public servant that I admire so deeply, to have earned her support in this race,” he said.
Markey’s campaign didn’t respond to a request for comment.
Voters will choose between Kennedy, 39, and Markey, 74, on Sept. 1. Political handicappers rate the seat solid Democratic, meaning the winner in the primary will likely secure the position.
Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) leaves the U.S. Capitol after the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump was adjourned for the day in Washington on Jan. 29, 2020. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)Both candidates have racked up endorsements, highlighting how either one could win.
Markey touts on his website how he’s supported by 100 former federal and state government officials, educators, and advocates, as well as groups including MoveOn, the Sierra Club, and the Progressive Democrats of America.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who is not facing re-election, endorsed Markey last year and penned a fundraising email for him last month.
Kennedy has the support of many House colleagues, including Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), the co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Kennedy’s announcement last year that he would run for the Senate took some by surprise. Markey has served in the Senate since 2013. He spent nearly 40 years in the House before that.
“We have a senate that, instead of trying to harness the opportunity of every person in the country, they are trying to pull us back,” Kennedy told supporters.
In several debates, Markey focused on what he’s accomplished in Congress, while Kennedy said he would better represent the state.
The Republican primary for the seat includes features scientist Shiva Ayyadurai vying with lawyer Kevin O’Conner.
Focus News: Speaker Pelosi Endorses Joe Kennedy in Race Against Incumbent Sen. Ed Markey