Dem Squad Member Dodges Questions About $8 Million Wealth Increase

Rep. Ayanna Pressley brushes off questions about her surging net worth since entering Congress.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, a member of the progressive 'Squad' in the House, has seen her net worth jump to as much as $8 million since first entering Congress in 2018. When questioned about the significant increase, which included income from multiple rental properties, Pressley dismissed the inquiry, saying there's "nothing to see here."

Why it matters

Pressley's dramatic wealth increase has raised questions about whether members of Congress are able to leverage their positions to personally profit, especially those who have advocated for policies like student debt cancellation and police defunding. The scrutiny comes as the Justice Department has probed similar wealth jumps by other 'Squad' members like Rep. Ilhan Omar.

The details

Pressley entered Congress in 2018 after upsetting an incumbent Democrat, and her initial financial disclosure suggested a negative net worth. However, her 2024 disclosure showed a net worth of up to $8 million, largely due to income from rental properties in Massachusetts and Florida. When questioned about this, Pressley brushed off the inquiry, saying she files her disclosures like everyone else and there's "nothing to see here." Pressley's husband, who previously served prison time for drug trafficking, also reportedly earned up to $1 million in 2024.

  • Pressley entered Congress in 2018 after defeating an incumbent Democrat in a primary election.
  • Pressley's 2024 financial disclosure showed a net worth of up to $8 million, a significant increase from her initial negative net worth upon entering Congress.
  • In 2024, Pressley sold a rental property in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for between $250,000 and $500,000.

The players

Ayanna Pressley

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts and part of the progressive 'Squad' group in Congress.

Michael Capuano

The incumbent Democratic congressman from Massachusetts whom Pressley defeated in a 2018 primary election.

Pressley's husband

Reportedly earned up to $1 million in 2024, despite previously serving a prison term for drug trafficking.

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What they’re saying

“Sir, I submit my financial disclosure, just like everybody else. There's nothing to see here. Thank you.”

— Ayanna Pressley, U.S. Representative (The Bottom Line)

“Is it appropriate for members to make so much money when they're in office? Should there be rules there?”

— Chad Pergram, Fox Business Reporter (The Bottom Line)

What’s next

The Justice Department's ongoing probe into the wealth increases of other 'Squad' members like Rep. Ilhan Omar may lead to further scrutiny of Pressley's finances and how she accumulated such significant wealth since entering Congress.

The takeaway

Pressley's refusal to address questions about her dramatic wealth increase since becoming a member of Congress raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and whether lawmakers are able to leverage their positions for personal financial gain, especially those who have advocated for policies that could impact their own finances.