BOSTON — Democratic U.S. Rep.-elect Ayanna Pressley will be in Washington with the rest of the incoming 116th Congress for the chamber's official swearing-in ceremony.
Pressley, who defeated long-time Democratic incumbent Rep. Michael Capuano, is one of two new faces in the Massachusetts delegation. Democrat Lori Trahan bested a crowded field to win the seat currently held by Rep. Niki Tsongas, who decided not to seek re-election.
Tomorrow is going to be a historic day on Capitol Hill, with over 100 women being sworn in to the 116th Congress — a new record.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 2, 2019
The future is bright. 📷: Martin Schoeller pic.twitter.com/XTOSr0C4iB
The swearing-in is scheduled for noon on Thursday on the floor of the House of Representatives.
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Pressley, a member of the Boston City Council, will become the first black woman to represent Massachusetts in Congress.
I am grateful beyond words to the diverse coalition of voters who made history in 2018. The job description for Congress has changed. To the disrupters, persisters & believers- together we issued a mandate for HOPE. I am so honored to do this work w you. Washington, here we come. pic.twitter.com/Z2LdXnuweK
— Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) January 1, 2019
The wins by Pressley and Trahan also mean the Massachusetts congressional delegation will have a record number of women. Democratic Rep. Katherine Clark and Sen. Elizabeth Warren both won re-election.
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Associated Press