BOSTON, Mass. – Senator Ed Markey today challenged Congressman Seth Moulton to agree to a Democratic primary debate in Western Massachusetts, ensuring that voters outside the Boston media market can hear directly from the candidates in the U.S. Senate race.

With the Democratic Convention concluded and the field set last week, Senator Markey reaffirmed that debates are an essential part of the democratic process. Markey has already agreed to participate in two debates this summer: one hosted by WCVB, WBUR, and The Boston Globe; and another hosted by Boston 25, GBH, El Planeta, and The Bay State Banner.

The Markey for Senate campaign is proposing a third debate in Western Massachusetts in late June or early July and has been in contact with WWLP about hosting it alongside other regional media partners.

“I have already agreed to two primary debates this summer, but there should be a third for Western Massachusetts,” said Senator Markey. “The 413 should not be an afterthought in this race. Voters across Western Mass deserve to be talked to, not just talked about. Since Congressman Moulton already found time to debate a MAGA Republican – who isn't even his opponent – on a day when the Senate is in session and I will be in Washington doing my job for the people of Massachusetts, I have no doubt he can find time to debate a fellow Democrat in Western Massachusetts. 

The Markey campaign hopes the Moulton campaign will agree to the Western Massachusetts debate as soon as possible. We look forward to working with them, alongside WWLP and other Western Massachusetts media outlets, to ensure voters across the Commonwealth have the opportunity to hear directly from both candidates and evaluate their competing visions for Massachusetts' future.