Lucas: Moulton searches Dems’ cave-in for election clout
In a surprising turn of events, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton is positioning himself as a challenger to U.S. Sen. Ed Markey in the upcoming 2026 Democratic primary, and his recent criticism of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has sparked intrigue within Democratic circles. Moulton, 47, is calling for what he describes as “a new generation of leadership,” suggesting that Schumer’s inability to keep the government shut down reflects a failure of leadership. This critique comes on the heels of a recent Senate vote that saw eight defecting Democrats join Republicans to reopen the government, a move that Moulton argues undermines the party’s commitment to protecting health care for millions. Markey, for his part, has defended his voting record, highlighting his opposition to the shutdown and his alignment with Schumer on key issues.
Moulton’s critique is particularly pointed given that he is not yet a member of the Senate and lacks a direct vote in the matter. He has previously attempted to unseat fellow Democrat Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House, but those efforts were unsuccessful. With Pelosi recently announcing her decision not to seek reelection, Moulton appears to be seizing the moment to position himself as a viable alternative to the older guard of the Democratic Party. However, the challenge he faces is significant; Markey, 79, has a long-standing political career that predates Moulton’s own entry into public service. The two politicians share many progressive values, making it difficult for Moulton to carve out a distinct identity.
The recent government reopening has been framed as a victory for former President Donald Trump, who advocated for a functioning government while Democrats, including Schumer and Markey, were seen as aligning with a more radical faction of their party. This political landscape complicates Moulton’s challenge, as he must navigate the sentiments of Massachusetts Democrats who may not be swayed by attacks on Schumer. As the political dynamics unfold, Moulton’s ability to differentiate himself from Markey and resonate with voters will be crucial in his quest for the Senate seat. The upcoming primary promises to be a fascinating contest as both candidates seek to define their visions for the future of the Democratic Party.
Let’s see if we can get this straight.
U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton is attacking U.S. Sen. Eddie Markey because Eddie Markey is not attacking Sen. Chuck Schumer for failing to keep the government shut down.
Democrats believe that no government is the best form of government — if Donald Trump is president.
Moulton, 47, who is challenging Markey, 79, for reelection in the 2026 Democrat primary, wants Schumer, 74, the Democrat Senate minority leader, dumped even though Moulton is not a member of the Senate — at least not yet.
But that will not stop Moulton who, calling for “a new generation of leadership,” — meaning him — twice tried (2016, 2018) but failed to oust fellow Democrat Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House.
Pelosi announced in 2022 that she would step down as Speaker. Last week, at age 85, and a millionaire many times over, she said she would not seek reelection.
Now Moulton is at it again, even though this time he does not even have a vote in the matter.
Following Sunday night’s Senate breakthrough in opening the government, which Schumer opposed — as did Markey and fellow Massachusetts progressive Democrat Elizabeth Warren — Moulton said, “Tonight is another example of why we need new leadership.”
Eight defecting Democrats joined the Republicans in the Senate to vote in favor of reopening the government after accepting GOP promises to take up proposed extensions of Obamacare tax credits, a sticking point, following the opening. Markey, of course, was not among them.
In fact, Markey later bragged about voting 15 times with Schumer in favor of shutting down the government to keep the Republicans from “ripping health care away from millions of people.”
“I want to be clear about this. I voted no,” Markey said.
But that was not enough for Moulton. He said, “If Chuck Schumer were an effective leader, he would have united his caucus to vote ‘No’ tonight and hold the line on health care.”
“Maybe now Ed Markey will finally join me in pledging not to vote for Schumer” as the Democrat minority leader.
Moulton’s problem in challenging Markey, who was elected to public office before Moulton was born, is that that are so politically alike. Moulton could be the son that Markey never had.
Outside of the age issue, Markey does not have much to run on in taking on Markey, unless Moulton can convince voters that he is a younger version of the senior Markey and a Marine combat veteran.
And talking about Schumer to a Massachusetts audience is not going to cut it.
It may be hard for Massachusetts Democrats, from Warren, Markey, Moulton, and Gov. Maura Healey on down to process it, but the reopening of the government is major victory for Trump.
That is because Trump was pushing the policy of a working government while Schumer and the Democrats wanted a woke one.
The Republican stand of opening the government was what the people wanted, while the Democrats in shutting it down sought the approval of the Mamdani radical wing of their party.
Trump won because he was on the right side of the issue.
All he had to do was wait for the Democrats to cave, and they did.
The Senate Democrats who defected and joined the Republicans to open the government realized that Schumer caused more hardship for people and the country in 40 days than Joe Biden did in four years.
Bernie Sanders, the sputtering old lefty from Vermont, who championed the shutdown, called the late-night vote reopening the government “a very bad night.”
A bad night for Bernie Sanders is a good day for America.
Veteran political reporter Peter Lucas can be reached at: peter.lucas@bostonherald.com
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks to reporters about Democratic victories on Election Day at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., in the Capitol subway earlier this fall in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)
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