A fifth-generation Kennedy could become the first member of the dynasty to lose an election in its Massachusetts heartland tomorrow, 136 years after his grandfather’s grandfather was elected to the state house of representatives.
Joe Kennedy III, 39, a Democratic congressman, is trailing in the polls to Ed Markey, the 74-year-old senator he launched a primary challenge against last year. Mr Markey was widely expected to gracefully accept retirement, especially when early polls showed him at a double-digit disadvantage.
Instead he has surged ahead of his challenger, fuelled by the support of young leftwingers, including the New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In doing so Mr Markey has broken an unspoken rule of Massachusetts Democratic politics, taking on not just Mr Kennedy, who has represented the