Ed Markey

Edward John Markey was born on July 11, 1946, in Malden, Massachusetts. He is the son of Christina M., a homemaker, and John E. Markey, a milkman. Markey grew up in a large family in a neighborhood known as New Deal Gardens, which was built in the 1930s to provide affordable housing during the Great Depression.

Ed Markey was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the 16th Middlesex district in 1973, representing the Malden area. During his time in the state legislature, Markey focused on issues such as consumer protection, environmental policy, and expanding access to education. He served in this role until he joined the U.S. Congress in 1976.

Ed Markey won election to the United States House of Representatives in 1976, representing Massachusetts' 7th congressional district. He succeeded in building a reputation as a progressive leader on issues like telecommunications, energy policy, and environmental enforcement. Throughout his tenure, Markey became known for championing net neutrality and climate change legislation.

In 1987, Ed Markey authored the Wireless Communication and Public Safety Act, legislation aimed at promoting access to emergency services through the enhancement of 911 services. The Act was designed to improve public safety by ensuring more effective and efficient communication during emergencies, and it laid the groundwork for future advancements in emergency telecommunication systems.

On June 26, 2009, Ed Markey co-sponsored the American Clean Energy and Security Act with Representative Henry Waxman, which passed the House of Representatives. This landmark legislation aimed to introduce a cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gases and set ambitious goals for renewable energy production. It marked a significant effort to address climate change through a comprehensive policy framework.

Ed Markey was elected to the United States Senate on July 16, 2013, succeeding John Kerry, who had been appointed Secretary of State. Markey's election to the Senate capped his long career in the House and provided him an opportunity to continue advocating for environmental initiatives, technological innovation, and progressive policies on a national stage.

On May 1, 2014, Senator Ed Markey introduced the Net Neutrality Act of 2014, an effort to enshrine the principles of net neutrality into law. The bill aimed to prevent internet service providers from discriminating against or prioritizing traffic and to preserve the open and free nature of the internet. Markey's leadership on this issue highlighted his ongoing commitment to consumer rights and fair access to technology.

Ed Markey and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced the Green New Deal resolution on September 17, 2019. This sweeping proposal outlined a plan to address climate change by transitioning the United States to a green economy, creating jobs, and reducing economic inequality. The resolution emphasized the importance of a fair and just transition for all communities, particularly those most affected by climate change.

On March 3, 2020, Ed Markey achieved a significant victory in the Democratic primary against Representative Joseph Kennedy III. This victory was seen as a testament to his progressive platform and deep connections within Massachusetts. Markey's campaign successfully galvanized a younger, more progressive electorate, drawing upon endorsements from prominent figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and leveraging social media effectively.

Following the events of January 6, 2021, Ed Markey was vocal in his condemnation of the insurrection at the United States Capitol. He called for accountability for those involved and for efforts to strengthen democratic institutions. Markey emphasized the importance of protecting democracy and ensuring a peaceful transition of power. His statements were part of a broader call among lawmakers for justice and reforms to prevent future incidents.