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Pressley launches bid for Congress

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Pressley launches bid for Congress
Ayanna Pressley

At-large City Councilor Ayanna Pressley announced today her candidacy for the 7th Congressional District seat currently held by Michael Capuano.

“This district and these times demand more than just an ally,” Pressley said in a statement to news media. “They demand an advocate and a champion.”

Pressley, a former aide to U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy and U.S. Sen. John Kerry, was elected to an at-large seat on the City Council in 2009, becoming the first woman of color elected to that body. She was the top vote-getter in 2011, 2013 and 2015, placing second in the 2017 at-large race. She has consistently polled well in predominantly white precincts as well as in majority people of color precincts.

Pressley has served as chairwoman of the council’s Women and Healthy Communities Committee and has advocated on behalf of women, children and families during her four terms in office.

Capuano, a former mayor of Somerville, has held the 7th Congressional District seat since he prevailed in a 10-way Democratic primary in the 1998 election, then being vacated by Kennedy. He is a longtime member of the Financial Services Committee and also serves on the Committee for Transportation and Infrastructure. He has advocated for federal funds for the MBTA’s Green Line extension as well as for the Fairmount Line, which runs through Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan and Hyde Park.

During the first year of the Trump presidency, Capuano has held meetings throughout the 7th Congressional district to discuss federal issues.

The 7th Congressional district includes the cities of Chelsea, Everett, Somerville and Randolph and portions of Boston, Cambridge and Milton.

To run a viable campaign, Pressley will have to raise funds quickly. Capuano has a war chest of more than $760,000. Pressley, however, cannot access the $16,497 she has in her campaign account as funds raised for local office seekers cannot be used in federal races.

Pressley’s announcement, held before Democratic ward committees in the 7th Congressional District have held their annual caucuses, will allow her time to seek support for her run the party’s more active members.