Election 2020: Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts endorse Rep. Joe Kennedy III in bid for Sen. Ed Markey’s seat

The Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts on Thursday endorsed U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III in his bid for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Ed Markey.

The PFFM, which represents 12,000 firefighters across the commonwealth, released a video on Thursday highlighting Kennedy’s support for first responders and his efforts during the coronavirus pandemic, which has taken the lives of more than 6,000 Massachusetts residents.

“During this crisis, no one has stepped up like Joe Kennedy,” PFFM President Rich MacKinnon Jr. said in the video. “Whether raising money for frontline workers or delivering masks for our firefighters, Joe has shown us the kind of senator he will be.”

In a statement released by the campaign, MacKinnon said that Kennedy’s “constant presence and leadership on all issues for first responders is what drives our commitment to support him.”

Kennedy, a four-term congressman and part of the most well-known political dynasty in the U.S., kicked off his Democratic primary challenge against Markey in September with an edge in polling and fundraising. The strong fundraising has remained, but polls have tightened in recent months.

“You are heroes who risk your lives everyday,” Kennedy said in a statement after receiving the firefighters’ endorsement. “When you leave home to head to the fire station, your hug to your children and your kiss to your significant other could be the last one."

Kennedy added that as a parent of two young children, the sacrifices made by first responders “are never lost on me.”

“Fighting for your right to collective bargain, SAFER Grants and Assistance to Firefighter Grants have never been more important,” he said. "I am honored to have your support in this race and will continue to be in your corner every step of the way.”

Both Kennedy and Markey have touted their efforts in combating the coronavirus and in challenging the Trump administration to respond more quickly.

Kennedy, who as a congressman has focused on mental health, substance use disorders and defending the Affordable Care Act, recently kicked off an ad campaign in which he says he’ll lead the fight in the Senate to make quality health care a “guaranteed right for all."

Markey, an environmental champion in Congress for four decades, has touted his experience including a track record of successfully fighting the fossil fuel and pharmaceutical industries, as well as the National Rifle Association.

Markey’s also an original co-sponsor of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ Medicare for All Act, and has highlighted his background fighting for Alzheimer’s research and efforts to successfully secure $200 million for the National Institutes of Health for a universal flu vaccine.

The pair sat across from each other in a WGBH debate in February, arguing over experience and who could better advance a progressive agenda in the Senate. Another debate is set for Monday, June 1, at 7 p.m. in the Western Mass News studio in Springfield.

The Senate primary is on Sept. 1.

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