Edward John Markey, born on July 11, 1946, in Malden, Massachusetts, is an American politician and lawyer who has served as the junior United States Senator from Massachusetts since 2013. A member of the Democratic Party, Markey previously represented Massachusetts's 7th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives for 20 terms from 1976 to 2013, making him one of the longest-serving members of Congress at the time of his departure. Before entering federal politics, he served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1973 to 1976. Markey has been the dean of Massachusetts's congressional delegation since 2009, reflecting his enduring influence in the state's political landscape. His career has focused on key issues such as environmental protection, energy policy, and consumer rights, earning him a reputation as a progressive advocate. He currently chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, where he has been instrumental in advancing policies on clean energy and infrastructure. Markey graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor of Arts in communications in 1968 and earned his Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School in 1972. He served in the United States Army Reserve from 1968 to 1973. Early in his career, he worked as a prosecutor in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, before launching his political career. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee for decades, Markey chaired subcommittees on energy and the environment, where he played a pivotal role in legislation addressing climate change, nuclear safety, and renewable energy. Markey maintains strong ties to Massachusetts while residing primarily in Washington, D.C., during congressional sessions. He has received significant financial support from major donors, including the law firm Goodwin Procter. Known for his Irish Catholic heritage and roots in the working-class suburbs of Boston, Markey continues to shape national debates on environmental and public works issues, solidifying his position as a key figure in Democratic politics.