Oct 2, 2024 - News

Warren challenger would drop GOP over abortion

GOP candiate John Deaton at a press conference — Photo: Andrew Burke-Stevenson/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Attorney and cryptocurrency advocate John Deaton, the Republican challenging Sen. Elizabeth Warren, says he'd switch parties to become a Democrat if the GOP takes up national abortion ban legislation.

Why it matters: Deaton's stance highlights abortion's central role in federal elections this year and is a huge swing for the moderate unenrolled Massachusetts voters he'll need in November to unseat Warren.

Driving the news: At a State House press conference Tuesday, Deaton vowed to "single-handedly stop a federal abortion ban from entering the Senate floor," by breaking with Republicans, should he be elected.

Deaton, who supports codifying Roe v. Wade, said Warren has been misrepresenting his pro-choice position on the campaign trail.

The big picture: Republicans have largely embraced Donald Trump's state-focused message on abortion and avoided federal legislation since Roe was overturned.

Warren has warned that GOP control of the Senate could cause Republicans to push for a national ban.

By the numbers: Deaton has a lot of ground to make up in his uphill race against Warren.

She leads 58% to 32% in a recent UNH poll and 56% to 35% in last week's MassINC poll.

What's next: Warren and Deaton are set to debate Oct. 15 and 17.

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Warren challenger would drop GOP over abortion

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