Attorney General Maura Healey has thrown her support behind Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley, a progressive hoping to unseat incumbent Congressman Michael Capuano to represent the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District in the Democratic primary.
“She brings with her a particular lens, and an ability to advocate and to mobilize and to energize, and I think we need a shakeup in Congress down in DC,” Healey said during an interview with Boston Public Radio Thursday. “We need people who can do that. I think Mike Capuano has been terrific on a lot of policy, and I have a lot of respect for him, but I’m backing Ayanna.”
Healey says her endorsement of Pressley came after working together on issues including gun control, sexual assault, and domestic violence. She also remembers Pressley’s support during her 2015 campaign for Attorney General.
“She was very supportive of me when I was running for Attorney General,” Healey said, “as you may remember I did not enjoy the support of many public elected, but Ayanna stuck her neck out for me, and I’ll never forget all that she did to help me get elected Attorney General.”
Pressley will face off against Capuano in the democratic primary on September 4. Capuano was first elected to congress 20 years ago. If elected, Pressley will be the first woman of color to serve on that body in its 108 year history.
To hear the full interview, click on the audio player above.