# Why John Deaton thinks you should vote for a Republican

> John Deaton argues Massachusetts voters should pick him over Markey to balance Senate power.
- Title: Why John Deaton thinks you should vote for a Republican
- Summary: John Deaton argues Massachusetts voters should pick him over Markey to balance Senate power. John Deaton says voting for a Republican senator would give…
- Keywords: john deaton, ed markey, senate, republican, massachusetts, midterm elections, senate voting power, news, local, John, Deaton, thinks
- Source: The Boston Globe — https://bostonglobe.com/2026/10/20/opinion/john-deaton-senate-republican-ed-markey
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: john deaton, ed markey, senate, republican, massachusetts, midterm elections, senate voting power, news, local
## John Deaton's Senate pitch
John Deaton says voting for a Republican senator would give Massachusetts a voice in a divided Senate.

> You have a chance to send a nonpartisan person like me [to Washington] who will really put America first and decide, 'Is it good for Massachusetts and America?'
## Republican Senate control
If Republicans retain Senate control in midterms, Deaton could wield voting power as part of a 50-seat GOP caucus.
## Markey's criticism
Markey calls Deaton 'the elephant in the room' who will be key for Republicans to keep their majority.

> Mr. Deaton is the elephant in the room. He’s going to be another vote for Donald Trump down on the floor in the United States Senate.
## Deaton's strategy
Deaton argues Massachusetts benefits from having representation from both parties in a divided Senate.

> Ed Markey thinks [me being the key vote] is the reason to not vote for me, but that’s the most important and best reason to vote for me.
## Deaton's background
Deaton is a former Marine and attorney who supports gay marriage and prochoice policies.
## Deaton's policy goals
Deaton wants to lower healthcare costs, break up pharmacy benefit managers, and bring back nuclear power to Massachusetts.
## Deaton's contrast with Markey
Deaton says Markey refuses to work with Republicans while he will collaborate with the next president on Massachusetts terms.
## Key takeaway

John Deaton says voting for a Republican senator would give Massachusetts a voice in a divided Senate.