What to Know
- Ayanna Pressley and Michael Capuano were expected to attend the Democratic unity event Wednesday, but Capuano went to DC instead.
- Ayanna Pressley defeated incumbent U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano in a closely watched Democratic primary battle for the 7th District.
- Since there are no GOP candidates in the general election, she will likely become the first black woman elected to Congress from the state.
Ayanna Pressley is dealing with symptoms of dehydration and exhaustion after her big primary night victory over longtime U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano, her campaign said Wednesday.
"After an intense few days on the trail and a unity event this morning, Councilor Pressley is dealing with some symptoms of dehydration and exhaustion," campaign manager Sarah Groh said in an email Wednesday afternoon. "We will be cancelling the remainder of today's schedule and will keep you updated about public events tomorrow."
Pressley had originally planned to attend a 3:30 p.m. event at her Jamaica Plain campaign headquarters.
She attended a Democratic Party unity event in Boston on Wednesday morning, telling supporters there that she's thrilled and humbled by her victory over Capuano.
The 44-year-old Boston city councilor says it's "a surreal, full circle moment." She said she ran to represent those traditionally without a voice in politics who deserve to live in communities that are safe and have good schools.
Pressley also took a swipe at President Donald Trump, saying the only way to combat "the hate coming out of this White House" is with the kind of inclusive movement she built.
Capuano did not attend the unity event, choosing to head to Washington, D.C. to attend to business there instead.
Pressley beat Capuano with 59 percent of the vote in Massachusetts' 7th Congressional District primary on Tuesday.
Since there is no Republican challenger for the state's 7th District, Pressley will be the only name on the ballot in November. She will essentially be on her way to Washington soon, making her the first black woman elected to Congress from Massachusetts.
"We have together ushered in something incredible," Pressley said in her victory speech Tuesday night. "People who feel seen and heard for the first time in their lives. A state hold in their democracy and a promise for our future. That is the real victory that is bigger than any electoral victory."
She also thanked Capuano, a 10-term Congressman, for his nearly 20 years of service to the district.
"Apparently the district is just very upset with lots of things that are going on," Capuano said in his concession speech. "I don't blame them. I'm just as upset as they are, but so be it. This is the way life goes."
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Capuano conceded shortly after 9 p.m., telling supporters the district is in good hands.
"I will tell you that I’m sorry it didn’t work out but, this is life and this is OK," he said. "America is going to be OK. Ayanna Pressley is going to be a good Congresswoman and I will tell you that Massachusetts will be well-served."
Pressley cruised to victory Tuesday in a district once served by Tip O'Neill and John F. Kennedy. Minorities now comprise a majority of the district's population.
