Eight local officials, including Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra and Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby, have endorsed U.S. Sen. Ed Markey for reelection to the U.S. Senate, ahead of the 2026 State Election.
“I’m honored to earn the support of leaders who know their communities inside and out,” Markey said in a statement. “The elected leaders of Northampton and Easthampton are on the front lines every day — fighting for working families and investing in their cities.
Sciarra and Derby were among many local legislators to endorse Markey, D-Massachusetts, in a recent announcement sent to the Gazette from Markey’s office.
Markey also secured endorsements from state Reps. Lindsay Sabadosa, D-Northampton, and Homar Gómez, D-Easthampton, as well as Northampton City Councilor Garrick Perry and Easthampton city councilors Koni Denham, Thomas Peake and Nathan Markee.
Markey said he will always listen to their concerns and bring their voices to every fight in the Senate, “because western Mass. deserves a champion who shows up and delivers.”
“Senator Markey delivers for Northampton and fights for us every day in the Senate,” Sciarra said in a statement, saying that Markey is needed now more than ever in the Senate.
“Whether it’s federal funding for our infrastructure, fighting for climate action, or defending LGBTQ+ rights, Ed shows up and he follows through,” Sciarra said.
Derby said that Markey recently helped secure $3.5 million to contribute further to Easthampton’s Old Town Hall transformation, visiting earlier this month.
“He doesn’t just fight for Easthampton in Washington,” Derby said in a statement. “He walks through our doors, listens to our neighbors and makes sure we’re never an afterthought. Our fights are his fights and I’m honored to support his re-election.”
Markey has served in the Senate since July of 2013, after having spent 37 years in the House of Representatives. He is being challenged in the Democratic primary this year by U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, who represents Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional District.
The State Primary Election will be held on Sept. 1 later this fall. The State Election will be held shortly after on Nov. 3.
“Ed Markey is a longtime friend of Easthampton. Just like he is to all western Mass. communities,” Denham said in a statement. “We’re grateful to have a leader like him looking out for our best interests in the Senate. I’m proud to support his re-election.”
“Senator Ed Markey understands that progress comes from bold progressive leadership and strong partnerships with communities on the ground,” Sabadosa said in a statement.
“He has been a champion for reproductive freedom, climate action and economic justice — delivering results that strengthen communities like Northampton and across western Massachusetts while advancing progress for the entire Commonwealth,” she continued.
Gómez said the “working families” that he represents need a senator like Markey that leads on issues such as job opportunities and affordable energy.
“He doesn’t just vote the right way, he fights to make it happen in the Senate,” Gómez said in a statement. “I’m proud to stand with him.”