Rep. Mike Capuano Endorsed By Civil Rights Legend

SOMERVILLE, MA – U.S. Congressman Mike Capuano received a major endorsement ahead of facing his first primary opponent in 20 years. Georgia Democrat and civil rights hero John Lewis, who has been the U.S. Representative for Georgia's 5th congressional district since 1987, announced his support for Capuano in a statement released by the Capuano campaign, according to the Boston Globe.

"I know Mike Capuano as a champion and fierce advocate for those who have often been forgotten or left behind," Lewis said. "Whether it’s income inequality, civil rights, gun control, health care, affordable housing, gender pay inequity, immigration or transportation, Mike has been a leader alongside those of us opposing the unfair and immoral polices of the Trump Administration."

Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley in January announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination in Massachusetts' 7th Congressional District, held by Capuano since 1998. Pressley, 43, became the first woman of color elected to the Boston City Council in 2009. A resident of Dorchester, she previously worked for U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy II and U.S. Sen. John Kerry.

Pressley has said the district needs a congressperson who will be "more than an ally" and will be "an advocate and a champion."

Capuano, 65, represents Somerville, Chelsea, Everett, Randolph, half of Cambridge, parts of Milton and much of Boston.

Image via Rep. Michael Capuano Twitter