Markey says he will run again in 2026, at age 80

Politics

Senator Ed Markey, who is currently 78, is determined to seek another six-year term and says he has “more energy” than ever.

Sen. Ed Markey said this weekend that he plans to run for re-election in 2026. Markey would be 80 years old on Election Day and face a new six-year term.

Markey confirmed his intentions during an appearance on WCVB’s “On the plate“Sunday.

“This is the most energetic I’ve ever been,” he said. “These issues are absolutely critical to the long-term well-being of our country… It is not your age, it is the age of your ideas.”

That rule reflects a rule used by allies of President Joe Biden earlier this year, when his campaign sought to allay concerns about Biden’s eligibility for a second term. His candidacy was torpedoed by a disastrous debate over the summer, and Vice President Kamala Harris has since tried to portray himself as a younger, more energetic alternative to former President Donald Trump. Polls have shown that a growing number of Americans think Trump, now 78, is too old to be president.

A recent one UMass Amherst/WCVB poll found that 72% of Massachusetts residents support age limits for U.S. senators. Senator Elizabeth Warren, who is that? to run for re-election is now 75 years old. The average age of the current class of senators is 65.3 years. continue a trend that that room is getting older.

“We don’t see much difference based on the voter’s age or which party they support. But if we were to use the median age limit of 66 that voters want, both U.S. Sens. Markey, 78, and Warren, 75, would be out of a job,” said Raymond La Raja, professor of political science at UMass . Amherst and co-director of the poll, said in a news release.

On WCVB, Markey spoke about his desire to pass more legislation that addresses issues such as climate change, social media safety for youth and gun safety.

“I’m ready for the fight,” he said. “I am ready to seek re-election and that is my full intention.”