Pressley Declines Senate Bid, Averting Primary Challenge to Markey

U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts will not run for Senate in 2024. Her decision avoids a high-profile Democratic primary battle with incumbent Senator Ed Markey. Pressley, a prominent member of the progressive group in Congress known as "the Squad," announced her choice on Monday. She stated she will instead focus on representing Massachusetts' 7th Congressional District. The potential matchup had drawn national attention. Both Pressley and Markey are popular progressive figures, and a primary could have divided the party's left wing. Senator Markey, who has served in the Senate since 2013, is now expected to seek re-election without a major primary opponent. The Massachusetts Senate seat is considered safely Democratic.