Rep. Ayanna Pressley endorses Susheela Jayapal in Oregon 3rd District congressional primary race

Ahead of Oregon's May primary election, Oregon Third Congressional District candidate Susheela Jayapal received an endorsement on Wednesday from Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Ahead of Oregon's May primary election, Oregon Third Congressional District Democratic candidate Susheela Jayapal received an endorsement on Wednesday from Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley.

“From reproductive rights to affordable housing, to climate justice and a livable wage, Susheela Jayapal knows what’s at stake for our communities in this election,” Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D, MA-7) posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “She will be a bold champion for the people of the OR-03, and I’m excited to endorse her campaign for Congress.”

In response to the endorsement, Jayapal said she is “beyond proud” to receive support from the progressive leader.

“In Congress, I’ll fight for Oregonians, work to ensure our communities thrive, and stay true to our values,” Jayapal posted on X.

The endorsement follows Jayapal’s previous endorsement from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) earlier in March.

In a statement, the senator lauded Jayapal’s leadership on issues including worker’s rights and the environment.

“For many years, Susheela Jayapal has been an outstanding progressive leader in Oregon. From early in her career she has stood with working families as she advocated for workers rights, fought to strengthen support for immigrant and refugee communities, and took on big polluters. I look forward to serving with her in Congress,” Sen. Sanders said in a statement.

Oregon’s Third Congressional District seat is held by Democratic Rep. Earl Blumenauer, who announced on Oct. 30 he will not seek reelection in 2024.

Jayapal -- a former Multnomah County commissioner -- has a handful of endorsements from elected officials and community members including Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, State Senator Kayse Jama, and Metro councilors Duncan Hwang and Mary Nolan.