Candidates For Markey House Seat Ramp Up Campaigns

U.S. Sen.-elect Edward Markey hasn't resigned from his House seat yet, but the campaign to replace him is already on.

On Monday, Democratic state Sen. Karen Spilka formally kicks off her campaign at her headquarters in Framingham.

She's not the only candidate hoping to represent the 5th Congressional District.

Fellow Democrats Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, state Sens. Katherine Clark and William Brownsberger and state Rep. Carl Sciortino are also eyeing Markey's seat.

All five have opened accounts with the Federal Election Commission, a critical first step to raising money.

The district includes cities and towns to the west and north of Boston, including Framingham, Waltham, Medford and Malden.

Under state law, the election will be held within 160 days of Markey resigning his House seat.