Pressley calls upset House win ‘surreal’

The black Boston city councilor whose upset primary win over a 10-term congressman stunned Massachusetts’ political establishment called her victory “surreal” Wednesday and said the wave of inclusiveness sweeping the nation is the best way to counter President Donald Trump.

Ayanna Pressley told cheering supporters she is thrilled and humbled by her victory over longtime Rep. Michael Capuano, a fellow liberal Democrat. Pressley will run unopposed in November, giving her a virtual lock on the seat — the first in Congress that will be held by a black woman from Massachusetts.

After appearing at a Democratic unity event Wednesday morning, Pressley’s campaign canceled her events for the rest of the day, saying she was suffering from dehydration and exhaustion. Pressley joked at the event that she was experiencing withdrawal after six months on the campaign trail “doublefisting Red Bull and cold brew.”

Pressley, 44, said her victory was “a surreal, full circle moment.” She said she ran to represent those traditionally without a voice in politics who deserve to live in communities that are safe and have good schools.

“When I have said that the people closest to the pain should be closest to the power, driving and informing the policy-making, that was never about me, that was about the residents of the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District,” she said Wednesday during the party unity event.