Joe Kennedy III enters U.S. Senate race against Ed Markey

Joseph Kennedy III launched his U.S. Senate bid Saturday morning in the basement gymnasium of the East Boston Social Centers, paying homage to his family’s immigrant roots in the neighborhood while pledging to “show up” for Massachusetts as he embarks on what promises to be a marquee contest against incumbent Edward Markey.

“This community, Massachusetts, has been with my family for an awfully long time. You have stood by us in good times, and through some tough times,” Kennedy said. “And so my commitment to you, throughout this campaign, if I am fortunate to serve in the United States Senate, is that I will show up.”

Kennedy, a U.S. Representative, seeks to reclaim his family’s Senate mantle by unseating Markey — entering a race that also includes labor attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan and business executive Steve Pemberton.

Not to be outshone, Markey — who joined protesters at Friday’s climate strike on City Hall Plaza — released a video Saturday calling on his opponents to participate in a climate debate in November. Pemberton readily agreed and called for monthly debates on myriad issues.