Senator Ed Markey and Representative Seth Moulton participated in their final televised debate on Thursday, hosted by WCVB-TV and WBUR-FM. The event served as a critical opportunity for both candidates to make their closing arguments to voters before the Massachusetts Democratic Senate primary.

Rep. Seth Moulton, 47, is challenging the 80-year-old incumbent, Sen. Ed Markey, in a campaign that has been characterized by sharp exchanges. During the debate, the candidates addressed their policy differences and records. Moulton, who is considered an underdog in the race, focused his efforts on presenting himself as a necessary change, while Markey leaned on his long-standing progressive credentials and legislative experience. The debate was marked by immediate tension between the two, with both candidates trading criticisms from the start of the broadcast.

While the debate provided a platform for both men to outline their visions for the state and the country, the primary remains a contest between Markey’s established progressive base and Moulton’s attempt to appeal to voters seeking a different direction. The event was the last major televised opportunity for the candidates to reach a broad audience before the primary election takes place.