Democratic U.S. Sen. Ed Markey and Republican challenger John Deaton faced off in their first and only debate before Election Day, trading sharp attacks over the economy, party politics and President Donald Trump.
I'm Lisa Pappas on scene in Boston where Senator Ed Markey debated
his challenger, Republican John Deaton,
Tuesday night in their first and only debate before the election.
I wear an American jersey, Senator, not a Republican jersey.
You're the one that wears a jersey that believes Democrats are good.
I'm the man that stood on the stage
and said F to both parties because both parties are corrupt.
Republican John Deaton is trying to win over
the U.S. Senate seat from Democratic Senator Ed Markey,
who has held onto it for more than 13 years.
Deaton says he wants to be a nonpartisan alternative for voters,
and he never voted for President Trump.
When I say that I am capable of voting for a Democrat Senate leader,
it's not a talking point. I mean it.
But Senator Markey doesn't buy it, and he argues Republicans like
Deaton will continue to drive up costs for average Americans.
If all it is is a continuation of business as usual,
where the Republicans control
the House, the Senate, and the presidency,
then they're gonna continue to suffer the
way they are right now in trying to pay for their bills.
You've had four times, Senator, what's called a democratic trifecta.
You had the House, the Senate, and the presidency,
and you didn't get any of this done.
You wanna know why he didn't increase the minimum wage?
Because if they fix it, they can't paint on it.
You brought up President Trump multiple times,
and Mr. Dean says that he doesn't
necessarily support President Trump.
John Deaton is going down to be the 51st vote for Donald Trump
in the United States Senate.
John Deaton paid $350,000 to purchase the Republican nomination
in Massachusetts in 2026. He purchased the R on his jersey.
And when asked if he's too old at the
age of 80 to serve another term.
This is the most energized I've ever been. And I think people could
see it tonight. Deaton says he agrees with Markey on some issues
and hopes to be a moderate senator.
He also tells me if he loses this race,
he doesn't plan on running again.
On scene in Boston, I'm Lisa Pappas,
Sphere Local Station, Boston 25 News.
