AOC endorses Sen Ed Markey as incumbent faces Dem US Senate primary challenge from Rep Seth Moulton

Rep. , D-N.Y., endorsed Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., as the incumbent senator faces off against Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., in the Massachusetts Democratic U.S. Senate primary.

"At a time when powerful special interests are making life harder for everyday Americans, Massachusetts working families need a champion in the U.S. Senate to stand up for them and fight corporate greed," Ocasio-Cortez said in a statement released by Markey's campaign.

"Ed Markey has spent his career doing exactly that, from our partnership on the Green New Deal to running his campaign without accepting a dime of corporate PAC money.  His work is an inspiration to many of us who are committed to building a better future for all, and thats why Im proud to endorse him," the congresswoman added.

The House lawmaker previously .

"The toughest fights need the most inspiring leaders, and thats Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Shes got vision, she knows whats at stake, and she never backs down," Markey said in a statement. "We introduced the Green New Deal to tackle the climate crisis, lower costs, and build an economy that works for working people, not corporations and billionaires. I am incredibly proud to have her endorsement and look forward to continuing to fight alongside her for the livable future we deserve."

Markey, who turned 80 this year, has served in the Senate since mid-July 2013, but he had previously served in the House for more than 36 years.

, who is 47 and will turn 48 in October, has served in the House since 2015.

The Massachusetts Democratic U.S. Senate primary is on Sept. 1, and early voting is Aug. 22–28.