XRP News Today: John Deaton's Crypto-Driven Battle Against Washington: Taking on 'Missing in Action' Senators in Democratic Massachusetts

Republican lawyer and crypto supporter John Deaton has formally begun his 2026 campaign for the U.S. Senate, seeking to unseat Massachusetts Democrat Ed Markey. Deaton, who previously ran against Senator Elizabeth Warren in 2024, is once again promoting his pro-cryptocurrency stance in a state known for its Democratic leanings. Despite the challenging odds, he hopes to draw on his experience as a Marine veteran and a legal advocate for digital assets to build momentum.

Announcing his candidacy at an event in Worcester, Deaton cast himself as a populist rival to Markey, whom he accused of being absent and disconnected from everyday residents. "Massachusetts is facing serious challenges due to soaring housing, energy, and childcare expenses," Deaton stated, reiterating concerns from his previous campaign. His platform centers on lowering living costs, confronting entrenched politicians, and promoting what he describes as "independent leadership" in a Congress he says has failed to curb inflation and make life more affordable, as

.

Deaton’s 2024 campaign, which ended in a 20-point loss to Warren, serves as a model for his current approach. That effort,

received substantial backing from the crypto sector—including a $500,000 donation from the Winklevoss twins—and highlighted his advocacy for investors and disputes with regulators such as the SEC, as . This cycle, Deaton is challenging Markey, a senior senator recognized for his work on climate and technology, including bills that address crypto’s environmental impact. Although the prominence of crypto in this race may be reduced due to recent regulatory changes under the pro-crypto Trump administration, Deaton’s campaign continues to accept contributions in Bitcoin, , and XRP, as .

Markey’s team has dismissed Deaton’s candidacy, with campaign manager Cam Charbonnier referencing his 2024 defeat and describing Massachusetts as unwinnable for Republicans, as

. Deaton, on the other hand, points to his Marine background and working-class upbringing—detailed in his memoir Food Stamp Warrior—as reasons he can connect with voters. He also enjoys support from state Republican leaders, including the possibility of an endorsement from the Massachusetts GOP, which could simplify his route to the ballot.

The contest is further complicated by Markey facing a primary challenge from Representative Seth Moulton, who has emphasized the need for generational change and questioned Markey’s age. Deaton’s campaign video features footage of Moulton, Markey, and Warren, portraying them as entrenched politicians, as

. However, Deaton’s prospects may be limited by the state’s strong Democratic tendencies; Massachusetts has not sent a Republican to the Senate since 2010.

For those in the crypto sector, Deaton could become a valuable supporter in Congress, where regulatory ambiguity remains an issue. His 2024 run attracted notable crypto donations, though it’s uncertain if the industry will rally behind him again. Ripple’s recent collaboration with Mastercard to

stablecoin settlements highlights the increasing overlap between digital assets and traditional banking—a field Deaton has long worked in as an attorney, as .

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