Ayanna Pressley ousts Massachusetts Democrat in latest primary upset

Democratic candidate Ayanna Pressley takes the stage after winning the Democratic primary in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo: Reuters) US In the latest upset during the 2018 Democratic primaries, Ayanna Pressley beat a veteran 10term Democrat in Massachusetts in a House race being watched nationally as an indicator of the future of the Democratic Party.

With Michael Capuano conceding and no Republican opponent on the ballot in November, Pressley will be become the first African American woman to represent Massachusetts on Capitol Hill. The night also marked another victory for insurgent candidates within the Democratic Party, who are demanding a more strident political posture in the era of Trump. In her victory speech, Pressley said: “These times demanded more from our leaders and from our party. These times demanded an approach to governing that was bold, uncompromising and unafraid. It’s not just good enough to see the Democrats back in power but it matters who those Democrats are.” Her win adds her to the growing number of female and minority candidates who have been propelled to victory in primaries by the Democratic base, joining candidates like Andrew Gillum, the Democratic nominee for Florida Governor as well as Alexandria OcasioCortez.

Although Pressley gained renewed national attention in the wake of OcasioCortez’s shock win against longtime incumbent Joe Crowley in New York City in June, she is a far more orthodox figure. Long heralded as a rising star in the Democratic Party, Pressley was first elected to the Boston City Council in 2009. The former staffer for Senator John Kerry and Congressman Joe Kennedy has been touted by national progressive groups for years. A former Clinton surrogate, Pressley was awarded a rising star award by the Democratic activist group Emily’s List in 2015.

Pressley, a Boston city councilor, and Capuano were both ardent progressives with a few differences. Pressley supported the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice); Capuano did not. Capuano favored a federal jobs guarantee; Pressley did not. Instead, the race focused on style. Pressley argued that while Capuano was a consistent progressive vote in Congress, she would provide “activist leadership.” In contrast, Capuano pointed to his longstanding relationships in Congress and ability to bring home federal money to the district.

(The Guardian)