Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) announced on Tuesday that she will not challenge Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) in the upcoming primary election. Instead, she will seek reelection for her current seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. This decision comes amid growing pressure on Markey to step aside, as younger Democrats, including Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), 47, are positioning themselves for a shift in leadership within the party.
Markey, now 79, has faced scrutiny from some party members advocating for a generational change. Moulton’s campaign has already signaled a more centrist approach, contrasting with Pressley’s association with the progressive “Squad.” Her choice not to run against Markey may facilitate his ability to harness the substantial progressive voting bloc in Massachusetts.
In a statement addressing her decision, Pressley shared, “Hearing from so many people from throughout our Commonwealth encouraging me to run for the United States Senate was deeply humbling.” She emphasized her commitment to her current role, explaining, “With our daughter in her last year at home before college and a district that has been in the crosshairs of this White House, I am certain that the Massachusetts 7th is where I belong in this moment. That’s why I’m running for reelection to the House of Representatives.”
This announcement was first reported by the Boston Globe and highlights a strategic choice in the evolving political landscape. Polls have indicated that Pressley holds a competitive standing against both Markey and Moulton, with a recent Suffolk University poll placing her narrowly ahead of them.
Despite her strong polling position, Pressley’s alignment with Markey’s progressive platform suggests that her entry into the Senate race could have further fragmented the party’s support base in Massachusetts. The Democratic party, at present, experiences notable ideological divisions, making Pressley’s decision particularly significant in maintaining party unity.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Pressley remains focused on her current responsibilities and the needs of her constituents in Massachusetts. Her decision to run for reelection underscores her commitment to serving in the House, especially during a time when partisan challenges are prominent on the national stage.
