Overview
- Deaton kicked off his campaign in Worcester with a video labeling Markey "MIA" and vowing to focus on affordability, accountability and working families.
- The Marine veteran and attorney is the first Republican to enter the race, returning after losing to Elizabeth Warren by about 20 points in 2024.
- Dozens of Republican State Committee members signed a letter prompting the Nov. 20 endorsement vote, a move that could effectively prevent a contested GOP primary and bolster party fundraising.
- Markey’s campaign dismissed Deaton as a past landslide loser and cast him as aligned with MAGA, while Deaton stresses independence, has said he would not vote for Trump, and previously disclosed supporting Joe Biden in 2020.
- On the Democratic side, Markey faces a primary challenge from Rep. Seth Moulton, with Rep. Ayanna Pressley still a possible entrant, and recent polling shows Markey holding an early lead.