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◆ Mixed look for MoultonImmigrationElections / Campaigns

Deaton, Moulton clash in state's first-ever interparty primary debate

Moulton defended his record and argued for abolishing ICE while criticizing President Trump.

Deaton, Moulton clash in state's first-ever interparty primary debate
Image · Bostonherald

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Outlet credibilityBostonherald73/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 5, 2026
Jun 17, 2026
tl;dr

John Deaton and Seth Moulton debated in Massachusetts’ first interparty Senate primary debate, criticizing each other and differing over immigration enforcement and President Trump. Incumbent Sen. Ed Markey did not participate.

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17 VOTES
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Seth Moulton D · MA-6
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Seth Moulton
D · MA-6

Democratic representative and Senate candidate debating John Deaton

PRIMARY SUBJECT

Republican Senate candidate debating Seth Moulton

Deaton's version of this story ↗
Ed Markey
D · MA · SEN

Massachusetts senator and incumbent whom Deaton and Moulton seek to unseat

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President discussed during the candidates’ debate

Chuck Schumer
D · NY · SEN

New York senator discussed in Moulton’s pledge about Senate leadership

ALSO MENTIONED  Barack Obama, Former president mentioned in connection with an award given to Tom Homan; Gavin Newsom, Governor mentioned in Deaton’s hypothetical about working with a president; Tom Homan, Public official cited in Deaton’s argument about ICE

Part of a bigger story

4 OUTLETS
Seth Moulton and John Deaton Debate in Massachusetts Senate Primary

Outlets agree Seth Moulton and John Deaton debated in the Massachusetts U.S. Senate primary, with incumbent Ed Markey absent. Center outlets cover exchanges about Markey, immigration and other issues, while one also fact-checks claims; right-leaning outlets emphasize the clash over Trump and immigration, including Moulton’s criticism of Deaton’s connection to Trump.

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