With just weeks remaining before Massachusetts Democrats pick their nominee for U.S. Senate, Sen. Ed Markey appears to be making affordability the focus of his final appeal to voters.
Here's what to know
At a Springfield campaign stop, the veteran senator highlighted everyday bills, including fuel and health care costs, as a legislative focus as the Sept. 1 primary approaches, local news outlet WWLP reported.
"People are struggling, and they need hope," Markey said, per WWLP. "They need a fighter. And I'm going to be the fighter for them to lower fuel prices, lower health care cost, lower electricity and gasoline prices for them and make their life more affordable."
Incumbent Markey is running against U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, an Iraq War veteran, in the Democratic primary. Early voting starts August 22.
Markey said families across Massachusetts are under real pressure due to rising expenses.
More background
On the campaign trail, Markey is arguing that federal spending and broader public programs can reduce pressure on families while improving access to basic services.
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WWLP reported that he highlighted nearly $157 million in federal funding that he and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal helped secure for the West-East Rail project. The station also noted that the incumbent highlighted his backing for the E-Rate program to strengthen internet access in schools and libraries as well as his efforts to reduce prescription drug prices.
Markey also used the Springfield visit to detail his support for reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ equality, expanded health care access, and renewable energy development, according to WWLP.
"We need Medicare for all so that everyone gets the health care, which they need and we need a green energy revolution so that we have the wind and the solar that we are deploying," Markey said.
Meanwhile, Moulton campaigned this week in Newton, with Fig City News reporting that the candidate spoke on issues including housing affordability and transportation, arguing that improving public transit could help to offset higher costs of living.
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