By Scott W. Lang

On Oct. 27, 2024 as the United States was in a state of flux, Senator Edward Markey announced that he “fully intended” to run for re-election as a United States senator from Massachusetts. Since then, there hasn’t been any discussion about whether this is in the best interest of anyone other than Sen. Markey.

While I know that the power of incumbency is intimidating, I do not believe that Sen. Markey should be reelected without a full challenge to his nomination. Inquisitive, comprehensive dialogue and debate are an integral part of our democracy and must be part of any campaign. Massachusetts voters have known Ed Markey for a long time; he is a nice guy. He has had an elected career in Washington spanning six decades, first elected to Congress in 1976, and then elected to the United States Senate in 2013.

As of today, Ed Markey has been in Washington for 49 years. Sen. Markey proudly identifies himself as part of the progressive wing of the Democratic party and has consistently joined with the fellow progressives on many proposals, most notably the Green New Deal, of which he was the Senate sponsor. Most of his past initiatives have not been enacted, nor do they have a chance of passage. No doubt he is a true believer in these proposals, but his agenda does not align with the people of Massachusetts.

Sen. Markey and his allies in the Democratic party have lost touch with the concerns of the American people. Senator Markey and the progressive wing of the Democratic Party have strived for ideological perfection, rather than working to find common ground within the party. He does not understand how to fashion practical, real solutions to the problems that affect everyday Americans.

Elected officials, like Sen. Markey, who talk at you rather than listen to you, have led the country into the disastrous position that we are in today. In 2024, Sen. Markey was an enabler — he firmly stood by President Biden when he knew or should have known that the president could not effectively run for another term. He understood the stakes that America faced when Donald Trump ran for president in the 2024 election. He, as well as every other Democratic party leader who believed that propping up Biden was the party’s best chance to defeat Donald Trump, put America’s future back into Trump’s hands.

He ignored the issues that were facing his constituents on a daily basis. He ignored the increase in prices for everyday items that drove inflation to 40-year highs. He was happy to fight cultural wars when his constituents were most concerned about their families meeting their weekly grocery bill and monthly financial commitments. He is not the senator that the leaders of cities and towns in Massachusetts count on to bring federal focus to local problems, nor is he the senator who excels in constituent services.

On July 11, 2026, approximately two months before the Democratic primary, Sen. Markey will turn 80 and he will celebrate being part of the Washington Political Establishment for over a half of a century.

It’s time for new Democratic party leadership that does not focus on “pie in the sky” programs. It’s time for leaders who put the country’s needs over their own. Massachusetts needs a leader who will focus on consensus building and collaboration which brings people together to provide opportunities for all constituencies. Massachusetts needs a senator who is connected to the people of Massachusetts.

Leading up to the 2026 election, the Massachusetts Democratic Party must have a rigorous debate on the direction of our party, our Commonwealth and our country, rather than a fanciful debate on issues better suited for an academic environment. I ask that all Democrats, including those who currently hold elected office, to step forward and indicate that they are willing to drive the debate as to what the party stands for now and in the future, and what the role the junior senator from Massachusetts should play in these most challenging times.

If Ed Markey is to be re-nominated for another term as senator, it should be after a vigorous exchange of ideas and a healthy contested campaign. Let’s make sure this happens.

Scott W. Lang is an attorney and former mayor of New Bedford