Who is John Deaton and what is Deaton running on in the 2026 Massachusetts Senate race?

John Deaton is the Republican candidate for Massachusetts U.S. Senate. Attorney and Marine veteran known for crypto/XRP advocacy; 2024 GOP nominee against Elizabeth Warren; says he did not vote for Trump in 2016, 2020 or 2024. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

The race

• The seat: Incumbent Ed Markey (D) seeking a 3rd full term; beat Rep. Seth Moulton 64.7 to 35.0 in the Sept 1, 2026 primary.
• Rating: Solid D (Cook, Sabato, DDHQ, RCP, 2026).
• Polling: Markey 51.4, Deaton 31.1 (polling aggregate, Aug 2026).

Why Deaton is behind

• Massachusetts is deeply Democratic; Republicans have not won a Senate seat there since 2010.
• Markey leads by about 20 points in August polling.
• Deaton lost to Elizabeth Warren by nearly 20 points in 2024.
• Markey is tying Deaton to Trump and ‘MAGA’.

What Deaton is running on

• Platform. Pitches practical ‘solutions’ on energy, housing, health care and education, and casts himself as a disruptor.
• Crypto. Leading pro-crypto/XRP advocate; his campaign accepts crypto donations.
• Cost of living. Says career politicians like Markey are out of touch while families struggle.
• Trump. Stresses independence from Trump; did not vote for him in any of the three elections.

In Deaton’s own words

“I have real solutions on energy, housing, health care, education.”

“If they really want change, if they want someone who’s going to be a disruptor, then they should give me a really serious look.”

The other candidates

• Ed Markey (D)

Every race

See every Senate and governor race on the ballot, with each candidate’s chance of winning: the 2026 midterms at a glance.