Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) has decided to run for re-election and will not seek a seat in the Senate.
Pressley made announcement Tuesday, effectively ending speculation she was going to try to unseat Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), per Politico.
“Hearing from so many people from throughout our Commonwealth encouraging me to run for the United States Senate was deeply humbling and a testament to the strength of our movement. It would be an honor to serve the whole Commonwealth — but 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,” Pressley said in a statement.
Markey will be 80 when he’s up for reelection next year. He is facing a challenge from Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.).
Moulton is campaigning for generational change after the 2024 elections.
A recent Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll showed Pressley neck-and-neck with Markey the Democratic primary.
The polling also showed Pressley’s presence in the race would narrow Markey’s lead over Moulton.
Progressives were concerned a three-way race could result in an election for a more moderate congressman.
“Now, more than ever, is the time to dig deep, to lean into mutual aid, and to use every tool available to stand in the gap in defense of our neighbors and our democracy,” Pressley said.
Moulton called Pressley “a powerful advocate for justice and opportunity in Massachusetts;” Markey described her as “a champion for the 7th Congressional District, for Massachusetts, and for our nation.”
“I share her commitment to the fight against authoritarianism, to take back the House and the Senate in 2026, and I am deeply grateful for her continued partnership,” Markey said.
