Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley today announced her endorsement of current Somerville Ward 7 City Councilor Katjana Ballantyne to become the city’s next Mayor

“I’m grateful to have known Katjana for more than a decade, and to have had the opportunity to work alongside her during her time on the Somerville City Council,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I have seen, firsthand, her commitment to leading with compassion and in deep partnership with community. During her campaign for Mayor, Katjana has presented a clear vision for Somerville’s future – rooted in inclusivity, equity, and justice – and a detailed plan for how to make that vision a reality. I know that, as Mayor, Katjana will continue to provide the bold, committed leadership that the residents of Somerville both demand and deserve.” 

Also today, Congresswoman Pressley announced her support for several incumbents and first-time candidates running for Somerville City Council and School Committee, including:

• Current City Councilor At-Large Kristen Strezo and Willie Burnley Jr. for City Council At-Large;

• Current City Councilor Matt McLaughlin for reelection in Ward 1

• Current City Councilor J.T. Scott for reelection in Ward 2

• Current City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen for reelection in Ward 3

• Judy Pineda Neufeld for Ward 7 City Councilor

• Current member Andre Green for reelection to the Somerville School Committee

“This diverse slate of candidates brings a wealth of experience, a dedication to bold policymaking, and a deep commitment to community partnership to Somerville City Hall,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “In this moment, when all of our communities are faced with both unprecedented challenges and unique opportunities, I’m proud to endorse this dynamic group, whose passion, determination, and unique perspectives will help make Somerville a more just and equitable community for everyone.”  

In 2018, after serving nine years on the Boston City Council, Congresswoman Pressley became the first woman of color elected to represent Massachusetts in Congress, representing the 7th Congressional District, which includes Somerville, along with much of Boston, the entirety of Chelsea, Everett, and Randolph, and parts of Cambridge and Milton.

Each of the candidates endorsed today has also received the Pressley Policy Pledge distinction, reflective of their commitment to a range of key policies, including reform of our criminal legal system, student debt cancellation, fare-free public transit, and more. For more information and a full list of Pledge signers, click here. 

Somerville’s Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, November 2. The last day for voters to register in order to participate in the election is Wednesday, October 13. To check their status and find their polling location, voters can visit the Secretary of State’s website here.