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Ayanna Pressley Wins Primary And Is On Track To Become Massachusetts' First Black Congresswoman

With no Republican on the ballot, she's guaranteed to make history.

In one of the greatest upsets we’ve seen this political cycle, Ayanna Pressley defeated 10-term Massachusetts Representative Michael Capuano on Tuesday, putting her in line to become the first African-American woman to represent the state in Congress.

Pressley’s victory sent a clear message that not only is a blue wave possible, but we may be seeing various new faces in the process. Women of color have been fearlessly challenging white men with more years of experience and coming out on top.

In June, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, toppled longtime House incumbent, Joseph Crowley, in New York. Additionally, Stacey Abrams of Georgia, Andrew Gillum of Florida and Ben Jealous of Maryland, are all new, young, progressive, Black politicians who won the Democratic Party’s nominations for governor.

When it comes to Pressley, her seat in the house is almost guaranteed, considering there is no Republican on the November ballot. Pressley’s Boston-based district is one of the most left leaning in the country, reported the New York Times.

Video of the incredible moment Pressley learned she had won went viral on Twitter.

When it came time for her to address her supporters on Tuesday night, Pressley said: “It seems like change is on the way” and “we have together ushered in something incredible.”

“People who feel seen and heard for the first time in their lives, a stakehold in democracy and a promise for our future,” she said. “That is the real victory, that is bigger than any electoral victory. And I want to thank you all for being foot soldiers in this movement and for ushering in this change.”

Capuano conceded to Pressley with barely 13 percent of the votes counted and said: “I’m sorry it didn’t work out, but this is life, and this is OK. America’s going to be OK. Ayanna Pressley is going to be a good congresswoman, and I will tell you that Massachusetts will be well served.” Soon after his speech, Pressley was announced the winner.

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