Deaton Runs as Non-MAGA Republican in Senate Race Against Markey

Republican U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton is campaigning across Massachusetts as a moderate who rejects the MAGA label, telling voters he would back policies from either party, WBUR reported on Oct. 13.

Deaton, a Marine veteran and attorney who ran unsuccessfully against Sen. Elizabeth Warren two years ago, is challenging Sen. Ed Markey in the Nov. 3 election. Polling cited by WBUR shows him well behind, and no Republican has won a Massachusetts Senate seat since Scott Brown in 2010.

Deaton told WBUR he has never voted for President Trump and would not follow the president's lead if elected, saying his main difficulty is persuading voters to "look beyond the label." He said he splits with Trump on tariffs and on the war with Iran, and supports abortion rights. On health care, he opposes Markey's Medicare for All position and instead favors breaking up large insurers. He wants ICE overhauled rather than eliminated.

Markey campaign manager Cam Charbonnier said in a statement to WBUR that backing Deaton would help preserve the Senate's Republican majority and advance Trump's agenda. Deaton considered an independent bid before deciding it was not workable.

The two candidates were set to meet for their only scheduled debate on the evening of Oct. 13.

This story was first reported by WBUR.