Massachusetts Senate candidates Deaton, Moulton agree to debate ahead of primary, as incumbent Markey remains silent

Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald on May 4, 2026

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BOSTON — Republican U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton and Democrat candidate Seth Moulton agreed Monday to an inter-party debate ahead of September’s primary — as incumbent candidate Sen. Ed Markey remained quiet on the challenge.

“I accept,” Deaton stated Monday afternoon. “Seth Moulton has agreed to debate me on one condition: that I commit to debating him even if Ed Markey refuses to show up. Consider it done, Congressman.”

Deaton, a personal injury lawyer, and Moulton, a U.S. House representative since 2015, are both challenging incumbent Sen. Ed Markey for his seat in Congress. Moulton will face Markey in the September primary, after which the Democrat victor will go on to face Deaton in November.

The two challengers, both former Marines, agreed to a pre-primary debate after Moulton brought up the issue on X on Friday. Moulton linked a tweet from the Massachusetts Democrat Party calling Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue to participate in primary debates, writing “We should lead by example on this, @EdMarkey.”

Deaton replied, suggesting “multiple 3-way debates between now and the primary election” with Markey, as well as three more debates with the Democrat primary winner ahead of the November election.

“Let’s give the people of MA a good look at who should be their next U.S. Senator,” Deaton wrote. “If you’re confident you have the right vision for MA and America, you won’t hesitate. And neither should Ed.”

Moulton agreed on the condition the pair debate even without Markey, adding he’s “looking forward to debating our different visions for the future of our country.”

“The people deserve to hear from us,” Moulton argued.

Markey’s campaign did not respond to an inquiry regarding his participation in a primary debate as of Monday evening.

Markey has represented Massachusetts in the U.S. Senate since 2013, following a 20-term tenure as a representative for Massachusetts’s 7th congressional district.

Deaton remained critical of the incumbent Monday, stating “when the voters of Massachusetts deserve answers — on electricity rates, on housing, on foreign policy, on why he lives in Chevy Chase, Maryland – he’s hiding.”

“The people of Massachusetts aren’t asking for career politicians who dodge hard questions,” Deaton said. “They’re asking for leaders who will stand in the arena.”

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