UPDATED 7/31/25 8:09AM: To added embeddable version of video.

Ed to Jim: Thanks Pal! (WMP&I)

Senator Ed Markey has already received support for his reelection from the commonwealth’s east and west. That support is now meeting in its (geographic) center. In a video, Worcester Congressman James McGovern, who also represents much of Franklin and Hampshire counties, announced his support for Markey adding “there is no better fighter in the Senate.”

Markey does not yet have a high-profile primary challenge for the 2026 Democratic nomination. Then-Rep Joe Kennedy, III did not announce for the 2020 primary until September of the previous year. The Senate race next year, should it be seriously contested, is not the 2020 race. Still, it is not clear who could take advantage of what is driving this electoral cycle without alienating voters on policy. McGovern’s nod emphasizes how the latter favors Markey right now.

“Ed knows that our families are struggling to make ends meet,” McGovern says in the video. “That’s why he’s been a champion for SNAP and helping families put food on the table, for home heating assistance, and for free Wi-Fi for our students so they can do their homework and stay competitive.”

McGovern went on to underscore Markey’s commitment to the environment, health care, affordable housing and economic equality.

The Worcester Democrat’s support for Markey could be announced as soon as Thursday.

Markey’s campaign is emphasizing other work McGovern and Markey had done together on a range of issues. For example, McGovern has long prioritized the battle against hunger (such as SNAP benefits) and prioritized international human rights. They and Boston Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley paid a visit to Louisiana detention centers where the Trump administration had imprisoned noncitizen students simply for expressing pro-Palestinian views. (Judge have since released Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk.)

Markey has already gained support from Senator Elizabeth Warren and officials in Boston and from around Fall River and New Bedford. Earlier this month, Representative Richard Neal endorsed Markey for reelection. The announcement included a bunch of nods from current and former officials in Neal’s district. The Springfield Rep represents all of Berkshire and Hampden counites and fringes of Franklin, Hampshire and Worcester counties. It included several names that had gone for Kennedy last time around.

Markey now has all the who in the blue (districts). Well, blue on this map. All Mass congressional districts are “blue.” (via malegislature.gov)

By contrast, most prominent officials in Franklin and Hampshire counties went with Markey in 2020. They seem likely to do the same this time. Notably, McGovern and Markey have appeared together in the western part of McGovern’s district, including a Northampton event to plug the Green New Deal.

McGovern’s district overall is hardly Massachusetts’s most Democratic district. However, the parts in Western Massachusetts north of the Tofu Curtain are some of the most liberal. When McGovern began representing part of the 413 in 2013, he received a warm welcome.

In a statement, Markey thanked McGovern, citing many of the things that have own him support in the Upper Pioneer Valley. Specifically, the senator praised his once and again endorser for his commitment to social justice and dignity for everybody.

“Congressman Jim McGovern is the conscience of the Congress,” Markey said. “His career-long advocacy for the most vulnerable in Massachusetts, to end hunger and poverty, and for human rights everywhere are an inspiration.”

Markey, 79, has not quite completed the collection of congressional commonwealth endorsements. He may not, as it is possible a Massachusetts rep may yet challenge him. This support is not determinative of success against a primary challenge. However, it gives him a line of defense, even as the party debates the age and longevity of some of its members.

The split in the party right now is less ideological than it has been in previous cycles. There are calls for generational change.  Many other Democratic voters are demanding more fight from officials. Markey, lower-profile than Warren, can benefit from testimonials like McGovern’s.

“Now, more than ever, we need Ed Markey in the United States Senate fighting for you, fighting for Massachusetts, and fighting for our future,” McGovern concluded.