All the right friends: Mass AG Campbell endorses Sen. Ed Markey for reelection

U.S. Sen. Ed Markey has racked up another key endorsement in what’s now become a competitive race for reelection in 2026.

Calling him a “great partner in the work,” state Attorney General Andrea J. Campbell has announced she’s backing the Markey, D-Mass., who faces a primary challenge from U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-6th District, and political newcomer Alex Rikleen.

“He is standing up for our democracy, our constitution, and, most importantly, joining me here in Massachusetts to support all of you,” Campbell said in a video posted to YouTube. “He has never taken his eyes off the people.”

The backing from Democrat Campbell, who announced her own reelection bid this week, is the latest in a string of high-profile endorsements for the 79-year-old Malden pol.

• Read More: Moulton’s moment? Race against Markey is a generational test for Dems | Bay State Briefing

Five of the state’s nine-member, all-Democrat delegation to Capitol Hill also have endorsed Markey, as has U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.

A host of local elected leaders, who are the key ground troops for any reelection campaign, also are backing Markey as he runs for a third term.

• Read More: Western Mass.’s most powerful pol endorses Ed Markey’s 2026 reelection bid

Meanwhile, it appears that attorney John Deaton, who unsuccessfully challenged Warren in 2024, is moving closer to a Republican candidacy, according to published reports.

Two members of the state Republican Party told WBUR-FM that they’re attending an event in Worcester next month where Deaton is expected to launch his candidacy.