Republican John Deaton is back in the political mix in Massachusetts following a failed bid to unseat Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren in 2024.

This time around, Deaton is running for the seat currently held by Democratic Sen. Ed Markey. He believes voters are ready for a change in political priorities.

“Polling suggests already that I could edge out Ed Markey … 1.35 million people voted for me last time, and now, I want to reach another million,” he said.

One obvious difference from 2024 is the competitive Democratic primary in 2026. Rep. Seth Moulton has already announced a primary challenge to Markey, while other Democrats like Rep. Ayanna Pressley are rumored to be considering a similar move.

“While Ed Markey and them are fighting it out in a primary, I’ll be able to bring that common-sense message,” Deaton said.

Deaton secured the endorsement of the Massachusetts Republican Party on Thursday. Some — like former Senate and gubernatorial candidate Geoff Diehl — have suggested that President Donald Trump is already backing Deaton’s candidacy.

“The White House hasn’t made any endorsement that I’m aware of, and I haven’t had any conversations,” said Deaton. “I don’t believe President Trump even knows that I exist.”

Deaton maintains he isn’t seeking endorsements from anyone, and when pressed on whether having Trump’s support would be helpful, he remained noncommittal.

“I don’t know if it would be helpful or not,” he said. “I really haven’t spent time thinking about it.”

While Deaton toes that line, he’s focusing on the issues and convincing voters why he is the best choice for Massachusetts in 2026.

“I got in this race because I see people losing faith,” said Deaton.

You can hear more from Deaton this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. during our @Issue Sit Down segment. Political Reporter Matt Prichard digs deeper into Deaton’s thoughts on Trump and his policies, plus how much of Deaton’s personal money is being funneled into his campaign.

A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Friday at 3:13 a.m. for patchy fog and black ice until 9 a.m. for Northern Worcester and Southern Worcester as well as Franklin, Middlesex, Essex, Hampshire, Hampden, Norfolk, Suffolk, Bristol and Plymouth counties.

“Patchy fog and isolated black ice are possible this morning across southern New England, especially in areas that typically fog over. As temperatures are at or below freezing, a few slick patches of black ice may form, especially on elevated surfaces; like bridges and overpasses. Please use caution heading out early this morning and allow for extra commuting time,” according to the weather service.

Navigating fog: Safety tips by the weather service

If you must drive in foggy conditions, keep the following safety tips in mind:

Moderate your speed:

• Slow down and allocate extra time for your trip to reach your destination safely.

Visibility priority:

• Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which automatically activate your taillights. Utilize fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with them.

Avoid high-beams:

• Refrain from using high-beam headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.

Keep a safe distance:

• Maintain a significant following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifts in traffic patterns.

Stay in your lane:

• Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to remaining in the correct lane.

Zero visibility strategy:

• In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a safe spot, like a nearby business parking lot, to pull over and stop.

No parking options:

• If no designated parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible. Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.

By adhering to these precautions from the weather service, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.