FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Media Contact:
Jonathan Ng
Communications Director
jonathan@edmarkey.org

BOSTON, Mass. – Today, Alex Rikleen – the Acton father of two, former history teacher, and Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate – announced that he is suspending his campaign and endorsing Senator Ed Markey for re-election, days before Massachusetts Democrats gather for the state party convention.

Rikleen entered the race as an outsider candidate, calling on Senate Democrats to fight harder against Donald Trump’s agenda and use every tool available to defend democracy, protect working families, confront the climate crisis, and stop MAGA attacks on health care and fundamental freedoms. Rikleen said the urgency of this moment now demands that Massachusetts Democrats unite behind Senator Markey.

“I ran this campaign because I believed Washington Democrats had to fight harder – use every lever we have, refuse to roll over, and refuse to retreat. I still believe that,” said Alex Rikleen. “And as I’ve said from day one, on most matters of policy, I agree with Senator Markey – especially on the climate crisis, health care, judicial reform, and the defense of American democracy. The choice in this primary race is clear: Massachusetts already has a senator who has spent his career standing up to bullies, polluters, and corporate power - and has consistently stood up to Donald Trump’s attacks on our freedoms. I’m proud to endorse Senator Markey for re-election, and I’m asking every delegate who came to this race looking for a fighter to stand with him.”

“Alex Rikleen ran a campaign of conviction, urgency, and courage,” said Senator Ed Markey. “Alex pushed this race to focus on what Democrats can and must do when democracy itself is on the line, and his voice made this primary stronger. I am grateful for his support and proud to fight alongside him – to lower energy costs, for safer communities, to expand the Supreme Court, and for universal health care. Alex told voters this campaign is about standing up to bullies and fighting for a democracy that works for the many, not the powerful few. I could not agree more.”

Rikleen’s endorsement adds to Senator Markey’s growing grassroots coalition of labor unions, elected city and town leaders, young people, advocacy groups, and progressive voters organizing across the Commonwealth ahead of the Massachusetts Democratic Convention this week.