By Associated Press - Monday, January 13, 2020

BOSTON (AP) - U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley is running for a second term in Congress.

The Massachusetts Democrat announced her reelection bid in an email to supporters Monday.

Pressley, who represents the state’s 7th Congressional District, said she want to continue fighting for housing justice, restructuring the criminal legal system, maternal and reproductive health care, transportation and other issues.

“I wake up every day with a sense of urgency - to ensure that those closest to the pain are closest to the power,” Pressley said.

Pressley has been propelled onto the national stage in part by her association with three other Democratic congresswomen - Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan - labeled the “squad” for their scathing criticism of President Donald Trump.

In 2018, Pressley defeated longtime Democratic congressman Michael Capuano, a 20-year veteran of the House, to become the first black woman elected to Congress from Massachusetts.

The 45-year-old Pressley previously served as former Secretary of State John Kerry’s political director when he was a U.S. senator and became the first black woman elected to the Boston City Council in 2009.

The 2020 Democratic primary in Massachusetts will be held Tuesday, Sept. 1. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

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