Pressley Declines Senate Bid, Stays Focused on Representing Boston

BOSTON – Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), has announced she will not seek the Senate seat following an internal assessment of political viability. The decision comes despite reports suggesting a strong potential for victory if she had chosen to challenge Senator Ed Markey.

In remarks that emphasized her commitment to immediate priorities, Pressley stated Tuesday: “Ultimately in this moment, I feel called to fight for the MA 7th [Constituency] in Congress.” She acknowledged the possibility of future Senate consideration but dismissed it as a likely outcome given current circumstances. While confirming ongoing discussions about leadership dynamics within her district, she clarified that there was no political viability analysis prompting her change.

Pressley cited family considerations, particularly her daughter’s senior year of high school, as instrumental to her decision not to challenge Markey. “For this senior of high school, I just want to be present,” Pressley explained regarding the role Congresswoman offers continuity alongside personal availability for important events like dance performances. This sentiment underscores a desire to prioritize daughter’s college transition period.

The New England Representative also reflected on constituent engagement and her legislative work as strong motivators. “I found myself getting choked up [during an event]… And that was also confirmation that my work was unfinished,” Pressley shared, recounting her experience at the Girl Scouts meeting where she signed notebooks while expressing affection for her constituents.

Markey faces a primary challenge from Representative Seth Moulton (D- Mass), who himself announced his bid to lead the Massachusetts delegation in Congress. The veteran Democrat’s call for “a new generation of leadership” was met with Pressley’s nuanced refusal, noting that she expected further clarification on political strategy once current decisions solidify.

Pressley’s assessment follows her earlier announcement about serving a second term representing Massachusetts’ Seventh District.