Battenfeld: Is Ayanna Pressley too far left even for Massachusetts?
Ayanna Pressley, the 51-year-old congresswoman known for her progressive stance and as a member of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s “Squad,” is contemplating a run for the U.S. Senate in 2024, a move that could reshape the political landscape in Massachusetts. Pressley, who gained prominence by defeating long-time incumbent Michael Capuano in 2018, is eyeing the opportunity to become the first Black woman elected to the Senate from Massachusetts. However, her bid raises critical questions about her appeal beyond her Boston-area district, particularly in more moderate regions such as the Worcester suburbs and Cape Cod. While Pressley enjoys substantial support among progressive voters, her far-left reputation could alienate independents, a significant demographic in the Democratic primary.
Recent polling from UMass Amherst highlights Pressley’s uphill battle. In a survey of likely Democratic voters, she garnered 21%, trailing behind both incumbent Ed Markey at 35% and fellow Congressman Seth Moulton at 25%. Although these numbers are promising for Pressley, given that she has not formally announced her candidacy while Moulton has, they also underscore the challenges she faces. Markey, who made history by defeating a Kennedy in Massachusetts, appears vulnerable, as evidenced by his relatively low poll numbers a year before the election. The dynamics of the race could shift dramatically if Markey or Moulton decides to withdraw, potentially clearing a path for Pressley to challenge Markey directly.
Pressley’s potential candidacy represents a broader generational shift within the Democratic Party, where younger leaders are increasingly challenging established figures. Moulton has publicly questioned Markey’s age, suggesting that it may be time for older politicians to step aside for new leadership. This tension reflects a larger debate within the party about the direction it should take moving forward. As Pressley weighs her decision, the implications of her candidacy extend beyond her own political future; they could signal a pivotal moment for the Democratic Party in Massachusetts and beyond, as it grapples with the balance between progressive ideals and the need for broad electoral appeal.
Ayanna Pressley’s decision on a U.S. Senate bid next year could answer the question: Is the 51-year-old far left congresswoman too extreme even for deep blue Massachusetts?
Or is there a pathway for Pressley to defeat popular 79-year-old Democratic incumbent Ed Markey and her fellow Massachusetts Congressman Seth Moulton in a statewide race?
Pressley, who ousted Democratic incumbent Michael Capuano in a 2018 primary showdown, could attempt to become the first Black woman ever elected to the U.S. Senate in Massachusetts – an historic feat that could fuel her campaign.
But a Senate bid would also test her popularity outside her Boston-area congressional district, including in more moderate voting areas like the Worcester suburbs, Cape Cod and MetroWest Boston hamlets.
Pressley has a well deserved reputation as the most far left member of Congress in the Massachusetts delegation. She is one of the younger guns in Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s “Squad” of House members.
That will help her with progressive voters in Boston to the Berkshires but hurt her among independents, who make up a huge chunk of the Democratic primary electorate.
Pressley led the charge of liberal Democrats who slammed her fellow party members for voting in support of a bipartisan deal to reopen the federal government.
“It’s a betrayal,” Pressley said of the deal. “It’s deeply disappointing. It’s infuriating.” She also called for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to step aside.
Among the Democrats who voted for the deal were two New Hampshire senators, Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, and Maine Sen. Angus King, an independent who votes with Democrats.
Pressley also was among just two members of the all-Democratic Massachusetts delegation who voted against a measure to honor the life of assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“This resolution glorified right wing extremist rhetoric and lionized someone who has promoted shameful, bigoted ideas that have led to deep and lasting harm,” Pressley said.
Politico was first to report Pressley’s serious interest in challenging Markey, quoting four anonymous people who spoke to her.
But there has been no report confirming whether she has made a decision.
Pressley would have to give up her safe House seat to make the Senate bid – a consideration that no doubt will weigh in her decision.
Is she willing to forfeit her promising political career for a statewide race she may not win?
A UMass Amherst poll of Democratic voters showed the challenges Pressley faces – trying to unseat a popular Democratic incumbent who five years ago was the first to defeat a Kennedy in Massachusetts.
Pressley came in third in the UMass poll with 21%, behind Moulton with 25% and Markey with 35% among a sample of 416 likely Democratic voters. The poll has a large margin of error of 6.1% – meaning Moulton and Pressley are essentially tied for second place.
But those numbers are actually fairly encouraging for Pressley considering she has not yet announced a Senate bid and Moulton already has.
Markey getting just about one third of the vote a year before the election shows he is vulnerable.
There is still a possibility Markey could step aside if he feels Pressley and Moulton are too strong to risk getting the boot from voters as a capstone to his long political career.
There’s also a chance Moulton could drop out if Pressley gets in, giving her essentially a one-on-one shot at Markey.
If Pressley does get in, it would be a microcosm of the larger generational struggle going on in the Democratic Party. A number of younger ambitious Democrats are challenging the old party stalwarts, saying it’s time for them to step aside for new leadership.
Moulton has bluntly said Markey, who will be 80 by the time the election rolls around, is too old to continue serving in Congress – a prime example of the ageism that is rampant in America.
