Update, November 3, 2026.
Update, November 3, 2026, 10:30 p.m. John Deaton conceded the race at an election night event at the Union Brewhouse in Weymouth minutes after the Associated Press called it for Markey, the Boston Globe reported. “I know you’re disappointed; I’m disappointed,” he told supporters. “People are suffering. My whole goal was to offer an alternative.” Deaton congratulated Markey and urged him to focus on health care, housing and energy, according to the Globe. Asked whether he would run again, Deaton told the Globe, “You never say never. There would have to be a real clear path to victory or something unique.” At his own watch party at the Fairmont Copley Plaza, Markey called for universal child care and a Green New Deal, the Globe reported, and told supporters, “A new day is rising in America.”
Sen. Ed Markey has won a third term in the U.S. Senate, defeating Republican John Deaton, according to projections by NBC News and as reported by WCVB on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Joe Tache and Shiva Ayyadurai were also on the ballot. The race was called with only a small share of the expected vote counted, so the margin will change as more cities and towns report.
Markey, 80, had promised that if he won, this term would be his last, WCVB reported. He reached the general election after defeating Rep. Seth Moulton in the September Democratic primary. Deaton also ran against Sen. Elizabeth Warren two years ago.
When the new term starts and ends
The 20th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution sets the date: the terms of senators end “at noon on the 3d day of January,” and “the terms of their successors shall then begin.” Article I, Section 3 sets a senator’s term at six years. We read both at Cornell’s Legal Information Institute.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Current term ends, new term begins | Noon, January 3, 2027 |
| New term ends | Noon, January 3, 2033 |
Because Markey is the incumbent, there is no change in who holds the seat. If he keeps his promise not to run again, the seat would be open in the 2032 election.
Before January: the count and certification
The projection is not the official result. Cities and towns finish counting, including mail ballots postmarked by Election Day that arrive by 5 p.m. Friday, November 6, and the statewide results are then certified. Our guide to the counting, certification and recount timeline.
Our earlier coverage of the race
- The Markey and Moulton primary
- Markey’s emergency Supreme Court case and “national strike” remarks, and what the law says
- Shiva Ayyadurai’s lawsuit over debate coverage
Frequently asked questions
Who won the Massachusetts U.S. Senate race in 2026?
Sen. Ed Markey, a Democrat, won a third term over Republican John Deaton, according to NBC News projections reported on November 3, 2026.
When does Markey’s new term start?
At noon on January 3, 2027, under the 20th Amendment. It runs six years, to January 3, 2033.
Will Markey run again?
He promised this would be his last term, WCVB reported.
Sources: NBC10 Boston (NBC News Decision Desk projection and candidate list) and WCVB, November 3, 2026. U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 3, and the 20th Amendment, read at Cornell’s Legal Information Institute. General information, not legal advice.