Ayanna Pressley passes on Massachusetts Senate bid

Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., has opted to run for reelection instead of challenging Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., in the Democratic primary.

One of the original members of the "Squad," Pressley attracted speculation of higher ambitions this cycle, but cited family concerns as motivating her decision to remain in her current post.

“Hearing from so many people from throughout our Commonwealth encouraging me to run for the United States Senate was deeply humbling and a testament to the strength of our movement," she said in a statement. "It would be an honor to serve the whole Commonwealth—but with our daughter in her last year at home before college and a district that has been in the crosshairs of this White House, I am certain that the Massachusetts 7th is where I belong in this moment."

"Now, more than ever, is the time to dig deep, to lean into mutual aid, and to use every tool available to stand in the gap in defense of our neighbors and our democracy," she added.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.