Massachusetts Senate candidates clash in debate as Markey skips event

Massachusetts Senate candidates Seth Moulton and John Deaton exchanged sharp criticism during a televised debate on Tuesday night, while Sen. Ed Markey did not attend. The race is shaping up as a contest over Trump, immigration, Israel, foreign aid, and the future direction of the state’s representation in Washington. Moulton, a Democratic congressman, tried to link Deaton to Donald Trump and argued that electing a Republican would harm Massachusetts voters. Deaton, a Republican attorney, rejected that framing and said he would focus on working people, while also attacking both major parties and calling Markey’s absence a sign of weakness. The candidates also split on key policy issues. Moulton backed tougher action against immigration enforcement officials involved in Trump’s deportation agenda and supported conditional aid to Israel. Deaton called for expanded legal immigration but strict enforcement against illegal immigration, and said he would only support foreign aid when it clearly serves American and Massachusetts interests.