How Ayanna Pressley escaped her Squad-mates' primary fates
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Pressley faces reporters in Washington earlier this year. Photo: Tom Williams/Getty Images.
U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley hardly had to break a sweat to secure her return to Congress next year, something that can't be said for other members of the left-wing "Squad."
Why it matters: Unlike most of her Squad colleagues, Pressley faced no opposition in this year's Democratic primary and doesn't have a Republican challenger in November.
Catch up quick: Several members of the Squad were targeted this cycle by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee for criticizing Israel's tactics in the Gaza war.
- Squad members Cori Bush and Jamaal Bowman lost their primaries, while Summer Lee and Ilhan Omar beat back moderate challengers.
Observers say Pressley didn't become a target for ouster because she's established a formidable political operation at home and is in step with her constituents on major issues.
- And it didn't hurt that Pressley's Boston- and Cambridge-based district has one of the most progressive voter bases in the country.
It became clear earlier this year that Pressley wasn't going to draw any opponents.
- She's become more critical of Israel since she was first elected in 2018 but didn't draw nearly as much attention as Bush, Omar and Bowman.
What they're saying: "They wouldn't have been able to beat her," Democratic strategist Mary Anne Marsh told Axios.
- Pressley is distinct from some other Squad members because she's spent decades building political knowhow, first as an aide to Rep. Joseph Kennedy and Sen. John Kerry, then as part of the Boston City Council.
- District observers say Pressley has her ear to the ground when it comes to voters and stays in touch with municipal officials throughout the district.
Another insulating factor is Pressley's extremely progressive district, which includes many of the college and university campuses that were at the center of the pro-Palestinian movement this summer.
- Her district, which stretches from Somerville and Cambridge to Randolph, voted for Joe Biden 85% to 13% over Donald Trump in 2020.
- The 7th is Massachusetts' only majority non-white district, and nearby towns with high Jewish populations like Newton and Brookline fall within Rep. Jake Auchincloss' district next door.
What's next: Pressley's national standing and progressive track record make her a favorite when there's speculation about the next open U.S. Senate seat.
- Sen. Elizabeth Warren is likely on her way to a third six-year term. Sen. Ed Markey will be 80 when he's up for re-election in 2026, but there's no indication he plans to retire.
- Observers say Pressley is well positioned to charge into a future primary fight for Senate armed with high name recognition and ties to deep-pocketed progressive donors.