Ed Markey beat Republican John Deaton to win another term, extending a career in Congress that began in 1976.
Ed Markey is a Massachusetts senator who has served in Congress for 50 years. At 80, he is one of the oldest members of the Senate, and he is known for his work on climate and the environment.
Markey was born in Malden, Massachusetts, and studied at Boston College, where he also earned his law degree. He served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1973 to 1976.
Voters first sent him to the U.S. House in 1976, and he stayed there for 37 years. In 2013, he won a special election to the Senate after John Kerry left to become secretary of state. Voters elected him to full terms in 2014 and 2020.
On Tuesday, Markey defeated John Deaton, his Republican challenger. The Associated Press called the race shortly after Massachusetts polls closed at 8:00 p.m. ET. Markey had already turned back a primary challenge focused in part on his age.
His win matters because Massachusetts stays solidly Democratic. Watch his climate work — it has been the center of his long career.
Fast facts
- Age: 80
- Party: Democratic
- Office: U.S. Senator
- State: Massachusetts
- Previous job: U.S. Representative for Massachusetts (1976–2013)
- Called by AP: Shortly after 8:00 p.m. ET, Nov. 3, 2026
Part of the Zark News Election 2026 winners profile series. Winners are listed as called by the Associated Press.
