Battenfeld: Could outside moderate challenger target Ayanna Pressley in 2024?

One of the most outspoken Massachusetts members of Congress who has moved to the far left could be targeted next year by a moderate opponent — possibly backed by a powerful pro-Israel group that has pledged to spend millions taking on liberal Democrats.

Since unseating former U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano five years ago, congresswoman Ayanna Pressley has not been seriously tested either by Republicans or Democrats.

But Pressley’s aggressive criticism of Israel could put her on the hotseat with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

AIPAC, long a power PAC in Washington, is promising to spend $100 million to defeat far left members of Congress like members of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s “Squad” who have been opponents of Israel’s military actions in the Mideast.

That could include Pressley, the former Boston city councilor who rose to fame by taking on and defeating Capuano, the long-serving Democratic stalwart from Somerville.

“We are currently evaluating races concerning Israel detractors, but no decisions have been made,” AIPAC spokesman Marshall Wittmann said.

While no one has emerged yet to challenge Pressley, one intriguing name is Josh Kraft, the son of Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who heads the Patriots’ philanthropic foundation and has long been involved in charity work in the Boston area.

Kraft recently bought property in Boston’s North End, which is part of Pressley’s district.

Kraft has expressed an interest in possibly exploring running for office in the future, admitting he has been approached by people to run. There is a buzz in political circles around his name.

But rather than take on incumbent  Boston Mayor Michelle Wu – which would probably end badly – Kraft, who has contributed to Democrats, could instead focus on Pressley’s seat.

Since winning her seat, Pressley has used it as a platform for far left talking points like canceling student debt, lowering the voting age to 16 and opposing Israel’s offensive against the terrorist group Hamas.

A lot has changed since she beat Capuano. She’s moved toward the most extreme edge of the party.

She’s not very visible or accessible except for friendly radio interviews or pre-planned press statements on social media.

Could there be room for a Democrat who’s not so far left?

Unlike other members of the Massachusetts delegation, who focus on winning money for projects like renovating bridges and roads, Pressley’s talking about national issues and relishing her role in the Squad.

Will it work? What do people in the district really think of her record?

Could she possibly be out of touch with her district?

Those questions would be answered if Pressley receives a serious challenge in 2024.

Whether it’s Josh Kraft or another Democrat, Pressley’s opponent would likely need to be heavily financed by moderate Democratic groups like AIPAC or possibly self-financed, because she would be tough to beat.

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