FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 20, 2026 Press Contact: Vincent Errichetti (617) 922-1824 Press@johndeatonforsenate.com BOLTON, MA -- Massachusetts U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton spoke out after Sen. Ed Markey voiced his opposition to Question 5, which would change Massachusetts's state budget revenue formula in a way to deliver more relief to taxpayers. In 2022, the obscure state law known as Chapter 62F was triggered for the first time in decades, and it required lawmakers to mail $250 rebate checks to most Massachusetts residents after the government completed a record fiscal year of tax revenue. Markey has sided with House Speaker Ron Mariano , who in July openly mused about canceling or amending Chapter 62F after the election and suggested that the Legislature will dilute the outcome of the ballot question should it pass. The Legislature previously slow-walked a reduction of the sales tax to 5% over a 20-year period after it was passed at the ballot in 2000. "Senator Markey continues to ask others to do what he won't, which is live by the extreme policies of one-party rule while he lives in Maryland," said Deaton . "Our energy bills are the highest in the nation. Our Legislature won't allow the audit we voted for. Nobody can afford to buy a home. But according to Ed Markey, the government needs all the money it can get because of the great job Beacon Hill is doing. It's a shameful defense of the status quo, which Markey knows well after 53 years on the job." BACKGROUND: On Sunday, Sen. Markey stated tax breaks wouldn't "balance out against the harm" that a loss of revenue for state government would cause. ( WCVB , 10/18/26) An independent study by the Tufts Center for State Policy Analysis found that Question 5, if it passes, would get taxpayers "eight or nine refunds over the next 20 years, two to four times as many as if the formula didn't change." ( Axios , 10/20/26) ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 20, 2026 Press Contact: Vincent Errichetti (617) 922-1824 Press@johndeatonforsenate.com BOSTON — Massachusetts U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton was profiled by Boston Globe Editorial Board member Kara Bettis Carvalho, who wrote that a closely divided Senate would give Deaton "enormous voting power to wield on behalf of Massachusetts." "And if Democrats win the Senate? Well, the Republican president will still be in power for at least the next two years, and it could help the state to have an interlocutor with the White House," Carvalho adds. Deaton made the case to Carvalho that Maine's Republican U.S. Senator Susan Collins has delivered for her home state by occupying the same lane. "In many ways, Deaton does fit into the [Scott] Brown and Charlie Baker mold that moderate Republicanism has found successful in Massachusetts. He’s prochoice and supports gay marriage, yet he also wants to deregulate the energy and housing markets and supports border security. A Detroit-area native, he fits well into the Massachusetts ethos as a veteran and cancer survivor who’s a bit rough around the edges but is compassionate toward the most vulnerable. During the debate, he seemed teary during his opener talking about hungry children, as he recalls being one," Carvalho continues. Full article below: Why John Deaton thinks you should vote for a Republican The GOP Senate candidate is trying to turn what could be his biggest electoral liability — the R next to his name — into an asset. BOSTON GLOBE By Kara Bettis Carvalho 10/20/26 John Deaton has a theory about why Massachusetts voters should send him to the Senate, despite a Republican affiliation that makes him anathema to many of them. It might seem a little far-fetched. But hear him out. If Republicans retain control of the Senate in the midterm elections, it’s likely to be by a slim margin. And if Deaton is part of a 50-seat GOP caucus, it potentially gives him enormous voting power to wield on behalf of Massachusetts. “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?’” Deaton said during his recent and sole debate against his opponent, incumbent Senator Edward Markey. “And if it is, I’ll support it.” And if Democrats win the Senate? Well, the Republican president will still be in power for at least the next two years, and it could help the state to have an interlocutor with the White House. It’s an idea that Deaton, 59, is pitching in an attempt to turn what might be his biggest liability into an asset in his uphill battle against 80-year-old Markey. Not surprisingly in deep blue Massachusetts, Markey has made Deaton’s party ID the centerpiece of the campaign against him. “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,” Markey said during the debate. “He will be the key vote giving the majority to the Republicans to keep their monopoly in the House, Senate, and presidency.” Never mind that Deaton says he has never voted for Trump and proffers a strong antiestablishment sentiment; he carries the scarlet “R” next to his name. But it’s being the elephant in the room that Deaton, a former Marine and attorney who once challenged Senator Elizabeth Warren, sees as the reason he needs to be in this Senate seat. “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,” he told me. “It would really give Massachusetts a voice. In a divided Senate, the votes are so close.” The Senate is currently balanced 53 to 47 for Republicans, but polls suggest Republicans may lose some ground in the midterms. Republicans would still control the chamber in the result of a 50-50 tie. There is some precedent for the role Deaton wants to play — Senator Susan Collins makes much the same case as a Republican in Maine, arguing that she’s been able to deliver for the state by occupying the Senate’s center. Deaton acknowledges what he’s up against in a state that hasn’t sent a Republican to Congress since Scott Brown won Ted Kennedy’s seat in 2010. “I’m not delusional,” he told me. “I am very curious.” Curious, that is, about how many people who are tired of one-party rule will turn out to vote for him over Markey, and whether his pragmatic case that Massachusetts will benefit from having representation from both parties will gain traction. In many ways, Deaton does fit into the Brown and Charlie Baker mold that moderate Republicanism has found successful in Massachusetts. He’s prochoice and supports gay marriage, yet he also wants to deregulate the energy and housing markets and supports border security. A Detroit-area native, he fits well into the Massachusetts ethos as a veteran and cancer survivor who’s a bit rough around the edges but is compassionate toward the most vulnerable. During the debate, he seemed teary during his opener talking about hungry children, as he recalls being one. He points to Republicans and Democrats senators who don’t always vote along party lines, such as Rand Paul, Thom Tillis, or John Fetterman. Plus, he argues, he’ll work with the next president on Massachusetts’ terms, while he says Markey will simply refuse to work with Republicans. If Deaton wins, he says his first priority would be to fight to lower health care costs. Republicans haven’t offered a legitimate alternative to the Affordable Care Act, he argues. He also wants to break up the big three pharmacy benefit managers that act as middlemen between drug companies, insurers, and pharmacies (the three PBMs are owned by CVS Health, The Cigna Group, and UnitedHealth Group). He would also fight to decrease energy costs by bringing back nuclear power to Massachusetts. He pointed out that when Markey, a longtime foe of nuclear energy, was chair of the Environment and Public Works subcommittee, he was one of two votes in 2024 against the bill that cleared the way for nuclear supply nationwide. Deaton may be right that Markey’s political careerism and 53 years in office is making him increasingly complacent. Spouting about the Green New Deal and “Medicare for all” or refusing to work with the current administration might win him votes, but amounts to political posturing, not creating tangible change. Deaton’s bet is that if Massachusetts truly prides itself on progress, then voters should consider a candidate who might actually get things done in a divided Washington. ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 16, 2026 Press Contact: Vincent Errichetti (617) 922-1824 Press@johndeatonforsenate.com Markey Dodged on Dan Rea's 'Nightside' Thursday BOLTON, MA -- Massachusetts U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton condemned Senator Ed Markey's failure to state unequivocally that Iran is a greater threat to the United States than Israel. Markey dodged on Thursday night, instead declaring Iran a "threat" to affordability after a six-second pause live on-air. "Every Jewish resident in Massachusetts should know where Senator Markey places the value of their safety, and that's lower than the cost of getting himself reelected," said Deaton . "Massachusetts has been at the center of an alarming rise in antisemitic hate crimes, and still Senator Markey goes beyond the pale by insinuating that the Jewish nation of Israel is no less dangerous to the United States than Iran." Transcript of Markey's response (11:54 at iHeart podcasts ): REA: "I'm going to ask you the question that [Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate] El-Sayed was asked, and he ducked: What's a bigger threat to the U.S., Israel or Iran?" MARKEY: "Well... I think that... Israel under the control of Bibi Netanyahu is obviously a problem, and I don't believe we should be sending any more military aid to Netanyahu--" REA: "No, I said a threat. To me the answer is obvious." MARKEY: "Well... Iran, as it sits right now, is not a military threat to us. It is a threat to our economy. The threat that Iran is posing to us is that Iran controls the Straight of Hormuz and Trump had not learned the lessons of history, that the Straight of Hormuz is where the price of energy is set, and the price of energy determines everything in the United states. That's what people are revolting against..." ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 13, 2026 Press Contact: Vincent Errichetti (617) 922-1824 Press@johndeatonforsenate.com BOSTON -- Massachusetts U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton put people over politics in his first debate of the general election against Sen. Ed Markey, stating: "Massachusetts families deserved answers tonight. After 53 years in office, Ed Markey still doesn’t have them. "I didn't hear a single substantial answer from Senator Markey about how he would deliver results in the next six years when he's failed to deliver those results for more than 50 years already. "I spent the debate talking about the real issues driving people out of this state: the highest electricity rates in the continental United States, housing that working families can no longer afford, and a cost of living that keeps getting worse. Senator Markey spent it defending a record that has failed to deliver results. "He’s had half a century. Massachusetts is still unaffordable for too many. That’s not progress. That’s a career politician who has lost touch with the people he claims to represent. "I’m not a career politician. I’m a Marine, a trial lawyer, a cancer survivor, and a father who lived paycheck to paycheck. I’ve put forward real solutions: including the Clean Hands Act to ban stock and crypto trading by members of Congress and impose a lifetime lobbying ban — because Washington needs accountability, not more of the same. "Massachusetts deserves better than 53 years of no results. I’m ready to deliver them." ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 13, 2026 Press Contact: Vincent Errichetti (617) 922-1824 Press@johndeatonforsenate.com BOSTON -- Massachusetts U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton put people over politics in his first debate of the general election against Sen. Ed Markey, stating: "Massachusetts families deserved answers tonight. After 53 years in office, Ed Markey still doesn’t have them. "I didn't hear a single substantial answer from Senator Markey about how he would deliver results in the next six years when he's failed to deliver those results for more than 50 years already. "I spent the debate talking about the real issues driving people out of this state: the highest electricity rates in the continental United States, housing that working families can no longer afford, and a cost of living that keeps getting worse. Senator Markey spent it defending a record that has failed to deliver results. "He’s had half a century. Massachusetts is still unaffordable for too many. That’s not progress. That’s a career politician who has lost touch with the people he claims to represent. "I’m not a career politician. I’m a Marine, a trial lawyer, a cancer survivor, and a father who lived paycheck to paycheck. I’ve put forward real solutions: including the Clean Hands Act to ban stock and crypto trading by members of Congress and impose a lifetime lobbying ban — because Washington needs accountability, not more of the same. "Massachusetts deserves better than 53 years of no results. I’m ready to deliver them." ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 7, 2026 Press Contact: Vincent Errichetti (617) 922-1824 Press@johndeatonforsenate.com Senate nominee calls for mandatory AI disclosure, protections for seniors and children, and real accountability for companies that deceive BOSTON, MA. -- John Deaton, nominee for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts, today called on Congress to pass a national AI standard with enforceable consumer protections. The call follows this week's announcement of an AI video model that its maker says nearly half of test subjects mistook for a real person. AI company Tavus unveiled the model, called Griffin, on October 1. The company reports that 48% of participants in its study believed they were talking to a real human after a live one-minute video call. It says earlier systems fooled fewer than 3%. Tavus itself acknowledges the model can deceive people into believing it is not AI. "When a machine can look you in the eye on a video call and half the people talking to it think it's human, the scam writes itself," Deaton said. "A grandmother gets a call from a face and a voice she trusts. Minutes later her life savings are gone. That is where this goes if Washington does nothing." "I've spent my career taking on corporations that knew their products would hurt people and sold them anyway," Deaton continued. "I'm not waiting for the body count this time. Fraud rings will use this against seniors. Lonely and vulnerable people will be sold relationships with people who don’t exist. Isolated or lonely children battling depression or other mental health issues will be especially vulnerable.” Deaton's national standard would: Require disclosure. Any AI in a live video or voice conversation must identify itself as AI, up front and whenever asked. Ban impersonation. No AI may use a real person's face or voice without that person's consent. Protect children. No romantic or companion AI products for minors, backed by age verification. Protect seniors. Banks and payment apps must flag and verify large, unusual transfers before the money leaves. Hold companies accountable. Firms that deploy undisclosed human-passing AI answer for the harm, with FTC and state attorney general enforcement and a right for victims to sue. Set one clear rule. A single national standard, so protection doesn't depend on which state you live in. "I'm for innovation. I've fought regulators who tried to strangle it," Deaton said. "But there is a bright line between building tools that serve people and building machines designed to pass as people. If it's AI, it has to say so. That's not anti-technology. That's basic honesty, and it should be the law." ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 7, 2026 Press Contact: Vincent Errichetti (617) 922-1824 Press@johndeatonforsenate.com BOSTON, MA. -- U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton acknowledged the third anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel on Wednesday, stating: "Time stands still for the families of victims whose lives were cut short by Hamas terrorists hellbent on inflicting their evil and oppressive ideology on the world. "Hostages who survived captivity emerged as heroes. Today's focus should be recognizing their suffering, honoring the thousands who were brutally murdered, and assisting their families in rebuilding their lives by every possible means." ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 2, 2026 Press Contact: Vincent Errichetti (617) 922-1824 Press@johndeatonforsenate.com BOSTON, MA. -- Following a violent attack today at my East Providence law office; where a window was shattered while my employee was inside; I am holding Ed Markey directly accountable for the toxic, dangerous climate he has manufactured. For months, Ed Markey has peddled blatant lies, smearing me as a "Trumper," a "Trump sycophant," and a "MAGA Republican." Markey knows these are malicious fabrications meant to incite anger and hatred towards me. Ed Markey knows that I have never voted for Donald Trump. He is fully aware that I have never supported Donald Trump. Yet Markey continues to weaponize these lies because he cannot defend his own record and is afraid to face me on the issues most important to working families across the Commonwealth. His reckless rhetoric has caused the harassment of my children and now an act of violence against my law firm, directly endangering my staff. While Markey hides behind lies to stir up hate, he is simultaneously hiding from voters. Markey has canceled/rejected a debate set by Channel 5 and flatly refuses to participate in more than a single debate, turning his back on four other separate media debate requests, including in Western Massachusetts - an area Markey promised not to ignore. Markey hasn't even been reelected yet and he's already broke that promise. If he won't respect Western Massachusetts BEFORE the election - he certainly won't after. Ed Markey is running a campaign built entirely on deceit, division, and cowardice. He is too afraid to face me on a debate stage to discuss the real issues, preferring instead to sit in the shadows and sling dangerous smears that put innocent people and working families in harm's way. This is not leadership. It is dishonorable political desperation. When Seth Moulton engaged in such conduct, suggesting Senator Markey was complicit in the Jeffrey Epstein files, I spoke out against it - calling Moulton's conduct shameful. Markey, himself, called Moulton's conduct despicable. Yet, Ed Markey has now proven himself to be no better. It is time for Senator Markey to stop spreading dangerous lies, stop dodging debates, and answer to the people he claims to represent. I am deeply grateful to the East Providence Police Department for their prompt response and urge anyone with information to contact local authorities. ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2026 Press Contact: Vincent Errichetti (617) 922-1824 Press@johndeatonforsenate.com BOSTON, Mass. — U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton issued the following statement after U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) voted against passage of the Ratepayer Protection Act: "Ed Markey once again declined to think for himself, following Chuck Schumer's advice to let perfect get in the way of good bipartisan legislation. While this bill didn't provide every protection I've called for, it would have laid the foundation for future reforms, including establishing a national model to mandate that data centers receive community input, including the ability to negotiate community benefit agreements, such as revenue sharing and bonuses, and that corporations must pay for utility upgrades and energy costs, without stiffing taxpayers," said Deaton . "We have data centers racing to build in Massachusetts, and the federal status quo is letting them jack up our energy bills while Ed Markey pays half the cost on his utilities where he lives in Maryland." ###