Battenfeld: Ayanna Pressley the looming bigfoot in U.S. Senate race
Ayanna Pressley is emerging as a formidable contender in the upcoming U.S. Senate race, potentially challenging incumbent Ed Markey in a Democratic primary that promises to be contentious and closely watched. Pressley, who made history as the first Black woman elected to Congress from Massachusetts by defeating long-time Rep. Michael Capuano in 2018, is poised to leverage a similar strategy against Markey. Her previous campaign slogan, “Change Can’t Wait,” resonates deeply with a Democratic electorate that is increasingly seeking fresh, progressive voices in the face of ongoing political challenges, including the presidency of Donald Trump and the looming 2026 mid-term elections. A recent Suffolk University-Boston Globe poll indicates that Pressley is a serious threat to Markey, with both candidates in a statistical tie for the Democratic primary vote, while Rep. Seth Moulton trails significantly in third place.
Pressley’s potential candidacy raises significant questions about the future of the Massachusetts Senate seat, particularly given the state’s overwhelmingly liberal Democratic primary electorate. Her progressive stance, which aligns closely with the values of the party’s left wing, could attract voters disillusioned with Markey, who, despite his history of progressive advocacy, may be viewed as part of the old guard. Moreover, Pressley’s youth and vigor contrast sharply with Markey’s age, which could play a pivotal role in swaying voters looking for a dynamic representation in the Senate. The stakes are high for Pressley, as running against Markey would mean relinquishing her secure House seat, but her past statements suggest she is not one to shy away from a challenge. Notably, Pressley has not dismissed rumors of her Senate ambitions, hinting at a readiness to capitalize on the current political landscape.
The dynamics of a potential Pressley-Markey-Moulton race could also significantly influence endorsements and financial backing from various political groups. Organizations such as Emily’s List and other women’s and minority advocacy groups may rally behind Pressley, bolstering her campaign with essential resources. The involvement of prominent figures, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, could further shape the race’s outcome, as their endorsements may sway undecided voters. As the primary approaches, the interplay of age, progressive ideals, and grassroots support will be crucial in determining whether Pressley can replicate her previous success and secure a historic victory in the Senate. With the race still unfolding, all eyes will be on Pressley as she navigates this pivotal moment in her political career.
Ayanna Pressley is the looming bigfoot in next year’s U.S. Senate race, capable of booting out incumbent Ed Markey the same way she toppled longtime Rep. Michael Capuano in a Democratic primary challenge.
If she follows the same playbook she used on Somerville’s Capuano in 2018, Rep. Pressley will depict Markey as old and stale and herself as part of a wave of younger, fresher and more aggressive Democrats willing to take on President Donald Trump. Her campaign slogan then was “Change Can’t Wait.”
“This is a fight for the soul of our party, and the future of our democracy, at a time when our country is at a crossroads,” Pressley said on election night when she won Massachusetts’ 7th congressional district.
That exact same message could resonate with liberal Democratic primary voters next year when Markey’s seat is up for grabs in a potential three-way Democratic primary.
Trump is still the president and Democrats are fighting to win back the House from Republicans in the 2026 mid-term election.
A new Suffolk University-Boston Globe poll confirms that Pressley, the most far-left member of the Massachusetts delegation, is a serious threat to the 79-year-old Markey’s political survival.
In a three-way matchup that includes Rep. Seth Moulton, who has already launched his Senate candidacy, Pressley and Markey are in a dead heat with just over one-third of the Democratic primary vote.
Moulton trails by double digits in third place and the poll of Democratic primary voters suggests he’s not the real problem for Markey – it’s Pressley who is capable of pulling the final curtain over the incumbent’s long career in Congress, which began in the mid-1970s.
Running against Markey would be a big risk for Pressley, who represents parts of Boston and surrounding communities, because she would have to give up her safe House seat.
It’s also unclear whether she’d play statewide out of her liberal district. Pressley has taken a number of extreme positions that could turn off more moderate Democrats. The Suffolk poll showed she takes voters from Markey mostly in the Boston area.
But would Pressley decide to wait four years when Sen. Elizabeth Warren retires? Her past actions and words suggest she would take the plunge next year and go after Markey.
“What do you expect me to do, wait?” Pressley said in 2018 when asked why she was attempting to knock off Capuano.
Pressley has notably not knocked down reports that she is considering running against Markey and Moulton, and a number of factors could tip the balance in favor of a Senate candidacy next year.
The Democratic primary electorate in Massachusetts is still overwhelmingly liberal and anti-Trump, which could help Pressley, a part of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s “squad.”
Pressley also would be the first Black woman ever elected to the U.S. Senate in Massachusetts, a historic feat that makes her candidacy unique.
And if Markey thinks he is invincible because he defeated a Kennedy six years ago, he should think again. Pressley is no Joe Kennedy III.
Kennedy, then a congressman, often struggled to say why he was running against Markey. The 51-year-old Pressley is no shrinking violet and will have no trouble telling voters why they should back her over Markey and Moulton.
Age will also be a big factor helping Pressley. Markey looks old and tired in his YouTube videos, while Pressley looks bolder and more vibrant.
A big question is what progressive political groups with a lot of campaign money will do if Pressley takes the plunge. Will they abandon Markey for her?
Women’s groups like Emily’s List and minority groups are likely to back Pressley, which could give her momentum.
A Markey-Pressley-Moulton race would also test the loyalties of a number of Democratic pols. What about Warren? She has endorsed Markey in the past but would she still back him if Pressley is in the race? Or would she sit it out?
And what would Boston Mayor Michelle Wu do? Wu is close to Pressley – they both served on the Boston City Council together – and there’s a good chance she could throw her endorsement to the congresswoman.
Matt Stone/Boston Herald
Salem Rep. Seth Moulton (Matt Stone/Boston Herald)
