Former Town Councilor Eyes Challenge Against Sen. Ed Markey
Nathan Bech, a veteran and former town councilor from West Springfield, is contemplating a run against U.S. Senator Ed Markey in the 2026 midterm elections as a Republican candidate. In an interview with the Herald, the 51-year-old Bech expressed concerns about Markey’s age, stating, “I think he’s too old to run for another six-year term.” Markey, 79, has been in public office since the early 1970s and has served in the Senate since 2013.
Bech is not the only Republican entertaining a bid against Markey; John Deaton, who previously challenged Senator Elizabeth Warren, is also considering a campaign but is wary of the Republican primary dynamics, particularly regarding Trump endorsements.
With a longstanding military career, Bech currently holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserves, having served in various locations including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Poland. He joined the military as a means to fund his college education and is known for his activism against a proposed casino in West Springfield, which the town ultimately rejected.
Bech has previously run for political office, attempting to unseat U.S. Rep. John Olver in 2008 and state Rep. Michael Finn in 2014, both of which ended in defeat. Aside from his military and political background, Bech is active in Christian jail ministry, working to engage inmates in discussions about personal struggles and redemption.
Meanwhile, Markey is gearing up for his campaign, holding a high-profile fundraiser at Willowbend Country Club. As of June, he had amassed $2.5 million in campaign funds, demonstrating a strong financial base as he prepares for potential challengers.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
