Kennedy releases first television ad ahead of Massachusetts Senate primary

Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D-Mass.) rolled out the first ad for his Senate primary campaign against Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) on Wednesday, focusing on the response to the coronavirus pandemic. 

The 30-second spot, titled “Lead,” casts Kennedy as a fighter for health care. 

“Right now our country’s hurting,” Kennedy says. “We need relief. That’s why I’m fighting for lifesaving medical equipment, COVID testing for everyone, direct cash payments, and paid sick leave for all.” 

“When this crisis has passed, hear me loud and clear, quality health care will be a guaranteed right for all,” he says in the ad. 

Kennedy, the grandson of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, is challenging the longest-serving member of the Massachusetts congressional delegation in Markey. 

Both candidates label themselves as progressives, with Kennedy pledging to bring generational change and a fresh perspective to the Senate. Markey has touted his work in Washington, including co-authoring the Green New Deal. 

Kennedy has led Markey in fundraising, with $6.6 million in the bank compared to Markey’s $4.4 million cash on hand. 

The race’s most recent poll, a Suffolk University/WBZ/Boston Globe survey released in March, shows Kennedy with 42 percent support and Markey with 36 percent support.