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John Deaton Launches 2026 Bid to Challenge Sen. Ed Markey in Massachusetts

The GOP lawyer debuts as the race’s first Republican, presenting an independent message in a state that last elected a Republican senator in 2010.

Overview

  • Deaton, 58, kicked off his campaign Monday night in Worcester and released a video labeling Ed Markey “MIA” and attacking “career politicians.”
  • His campaign says it will focus on restoring accountability, tackling affordability pressures, and standing up for working families across the state.
  • He has pursued steps toward an early Massachusetts Republican Party endorsement to avoid a primary and concentrate on the general election.
  • Markey’s campaign pushed back, calling Deaton’s agenda a rerun after his roughly 20-point loss to Elizabeth Warren in 2024 and warning about MAGA alignment.
  • The race unfolds alongside a Democratic primary challenge from Rep. Seth Moulton, with early polling showing Markey leading within his party.