Markey and Moulton clash over healthcare, AI and trans athletes in final debate

Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Seth Moulton clashed over healthcare, artificial intelligence, and generational leadership during their final debate on Thursday, August 20, 2026, ahead of the September 1 Democratic primary for a U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts. The debate, co-hosted by WBUR, WCVB, and The Boston Globe, highlighted the ideological and personal contrasts between the 80-year-old incumbent and his 47-year-old challenger.

The candidates found rare common ground in calling for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in its current form. Both said they had traveled to areas like Minnesota, Maine, and a local ICE field office in Burlington to stand with those opposing the agency's enforcement efforts. Moulton stressed the need to hold Department of Homeland Security officials in the Trump administration accountable by prosecuting them, arguing that Democrats made a mistake by not going far enough after President Donald Trump's first term.

On healthcare, the divide was clear. Moulton stated that he and Markey agreed on bringing healthcare for all, but Markey immediately corrected him, saying, "I support Medicare for All, and Congressman Moulton does not." Moulton...