Republican Nathan Bech Mulls U.S. Senate Run Against Ed Markey in 2026
There’s some buzz brewing in Massachusetts politics as Nathan Bech, a former West Springfield town councilor and military veteran, is seriously thinking about tossing his hat into the ring against U.S. Senator Ed Markey in the 2026 midterm elections. Bech, 51, has made no secret of his intentions, telling the media this week that he’s “considering” a run as a Republican challenger.
Why Bech Thinks It’s Time for Change
At the heart of Bech’s potential campaign is a simple message: Markey’s too old to serve another six-year term. The 79-year-old senator has been in politics for decades — since the early 1970s — and has held his Senate seat since 2013. Bech doesn’t shy away from saying what many might be thinking.
“I think he’s too old,” Bech stated bluntly in a recent interview. “It’s time for new energy, fresh ideas, and someone who’s ready to tackle today’s challenges head-on.”
For Bech, this isn’t just about age; it’s about vision and stamina for the job. The grueling six-year Senate term demands constant travel, relentless committee meetings, and the ability to connect with a broad range of voters across Massachusetts — something Bech believes Markey can no longer sustain.
Meet Nathan Bech: Military Man, Local Leader, and Grassroots Fighter
Before politics, Bech’s story is one of service — in the military and his community. He’s a seasoned veteran who has served in the Army Reserves and the Massachusetts National Guard. His military career spans several deployments, including tours in Afghanistan and Iraq with the 10th Mountain Division, a prestigious unit stationed at Fort Drum, New York.
Rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel, Bech’s most recent mission took him to Poland, marking his first tour with NATO forces as a civil liaison team chief. It’s this leadership experience and commitment to service that Bech touts as his greatest qualification for higher office.
His path to the military started at a young age. When his parents couldn’t afford to send him to an expensive college, Bech took matters into his own hands. At 17, he walked into the federal building in Springfield — back when it was located on Main Street — and explored all the military branches. The Army Reserve offered the best deal to help him pay for college, and the rest is history.
From Town Council to Casino Battles
Bech’s public service journey includes six years on the West Springfield town council and a seat on the Massachusetts Republican State Committee. One of his most notable community efforts was leading a successful campaign against a proposed casino in West Springfield.
Back in 2013, while deployed in Africa, Bech learned that Hard Rock was trying to establish a casino in his hometown. Without hesitation, he cut his deployment short, gave up his paycheck, and returned home to rally the community.
Massachusetts law requires any city or town hosting a casino to approve the host contract by a local vote. Bech’s grassroots campaign helped swing public opinion, and in September 2013, West Springfield voters rejected the casino proposal. That victory still resonates locally as a testament to citizen activism and Bech’s leadership.
Political Runs: The Ups and Downs
Bech’s political ambitions are not new. He first tried for statewide office back in 2008, challenging U.S. Rep. John Olver for Massachusetts’ First Congressional District seat. Although Olver won decisively with over 72% of the vote, Bech’s 27% marked the beginning of his public profile in politics.
In 2014, Bech ran for state representative against Democrat Michael Finn in West Springfield but again came up short. Finn secured 56% of the vote, while Bech garnered 43%. Despite these losses, Bech remained active in local and state politics.
A Compassionate Side: Christian Jail Ministry
Beyond politics and military service, Bech is deeply involved in his faith. He regularly volunteers at a jail ministry in Ludlow, where he shares stories of struggle and hope with inmates. The ministry is a two-way street — volunteers and inmates open up about their challenges, supporting each other on the journey toward redemption.
“It’s all about turning over a new leaf,” Bech said. “This ministry gives inmates a chance to share their stories, and for volunteers to listen, relate, and encourage.”
This aspect of Bech’s life highlights a softer, more personal dimension to a man often seen as a tough military officer or determined politician.
The Republican Field: More Than One Challenger?
Interestingly, Bech isn’t the only Republican pondering a challenge to Senator Markey. John Deaton, who ran against Senator Elizabeth Warren last year but lost, has hinted he might throw his hat in the race. However, Deaton has expressed reluctance to face off against any candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump in a Republican primary.
Bech’s campaign considerations come amid a Republican Party that is still figuring out its strategy for statewide races in Massachusetts — a state known for its Democratic leanings but with pockets of GOP strength.
Meanwhile, Markey’s Campaign War Chest Grows
On the other side of the aisle, Ed Markey is far from complacent. He’s been busy fundraising to prepare for what could be a tough reelection fight. The senator plans to host a high-profile fundraiser at the Willowbend Country Club in Mashpee this August.
Tickets for the event start at $1,000, with sponsorship levels ranging from $3,500 to a $7,000 “co-chair” package. This isn’t your average backyard BBQ fundraiser — it’s a who's who gathering of Massachusetts heavyweights.
Notable chairs of the event include Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner, automotive giant Herb Chambers, PR expert George Regan and his wife, and Alan Leventhal, a former U.S. Ambassador and Beacon Capital founder. With such influential backers, Markey’s fundraising muscle looks impressive.
As of June 30, Markey had a hefty $2.5 million in his campaign account. Between January and June this year alone, he raised nearly $1.4 million and spent around $670,000. Clearly, Markey isn’t taking any chances.
What’s Next?
As Nathan Bech weighs his options, political watchers will be keeping an eye on this developing story. A race against Ed Markey would certainly shake up the Massachusetts political scene — pitting a battle-tested military veteran and local activist against a seasoned senator with deep roots.
For now, Bech remains in the “considering” stage but has made it clear he’s serious about offering voters an alternative come 2026.
Quick Highlights & Takeaways
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Nathan Bech: Military vet, former West Springfield councilor, GOP state committee member
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Main Critique: Ed Markey is “too old” at 79 for another Senate term
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Bech’s Military Career: Includes deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and NATO tour in Poland; currently a lieutenant colonel
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Local Activism: Led campaign to block a Hard Rock casino in West Springfield
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Past Runs: 2008 congressional bid and 2014 state rep campaign, both unsuccessful but built name recognition
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Faith Work: Runs a Christian jail ministry in Ludlow to help inmates find hope and healing
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Potential GOP Rival: John Deaton, a past Senate candidate, also mulling a Markey challenge
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Markey Fundraising: Big-money event in Mashpee with top Massachusetts power players, $2.5M in the bank as of June
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