Sen. Ed Markey defeated Rep. Seth Moulton in the Massachusetts Democratic primary for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, according to projections from the Associated Press and other outlets.

Markey, who turns 81 in July, will face Republican John Deaton in the November general election. Massachusetts is a heavily Democratic state, making Markey the heavy favorite to win a third full term.

The contest centered on questions of age and leadership style. Moulton, 47, positioned himself as a fresh alternative and called for generational change in Congress. Markey countered by highlighting his long record of progressive legislation, including co-authoring the Green New Deal and supporting Medicare for All.

Markey received endorsements from Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, as well as Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ayanna Pressley. Moulton had a spending advantage in the race but could not overcome the incumbent's support among the state's progressive voters.

The outcome stands in contrast to other 2026 Democratic primaries where younger challengers have unseated longtime incumbents. Markey previously fended off a primary challenge from Rep. Joe Kennedy III in 2020.

Moulton conceded the race Tuesday night and pledged support for Markey in the general election.