BOSTON — After winning the special election for the 1st Middlesex District earlier this month, Vanna Howard officially made history Wednesday when she was sworn in as the first Cambodian-American state senator anywhere in the U.S.
Howard’s move to the other side of the Legislature comes after state Sen. Edward Kennedy’s death in October triggered a special election to fill the seat for the remainder of his term, which ends in early January 2027. She was first elected to the 17th Middlesex District in the state House of Representatives in 2020.
Howard arrived in the U.S. from Cambodia when she was 11, having escaped the Cambodian Genocide perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge regime, which claimed the lives of her father, brothers and grandparents.
“I am truly honored that the voters of the first Middlesex District have placed their trust in me,” Howard said in a statement Wednesday. “When I first came to this country as a refugee, I could have never imagined being elected to first the House of Representatives and now the Massachusetts State Senate.”
Her statement continued, “As someone who has faced struggles in my personal life, I have seen firsthand the difference that a strong community and dedicated public service can make in people’s lives. My community has lifted me up and supported me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to give back in this new role.”
Gov. Maura Healey said before swearing Howard in to her new seat that the new state senator is “a path-breaking leader.”
“You’ve inspired and brought hope to so many by sharing your story of resilience, including surviving both political and domestic violence,” Healey said during the ceremony. “With this experience, you have a unique ability and opportunity in understanding and supporting the struggles of your constituents and strengthening the work of the body.”
State Senate President Karen Spilka said Howard’s life is a story “of resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to public service.”
“The late Senator Kennedy served his district with dedication and heart, and we are grateful that Senator Howard will carry forward his commitment to the First Middlesex. As a refugee and community leader, she brings a powerful perspective to the Senate and a proven record of delivering for her constituents,” Spilka said in a statement. “At a time when we are focused on lowering costs for residents and pushing back against harmful actions from the Trump Administration, her voice and leadership will be critical. We are thrilled to welcome her and look forward to her contributions.”
Before seeking elected office herself, Howard worked for more than a decade under former U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas, and served as chair of the Massachusetts Asian American Commission.
Howard faced competition in the primary and general election of the special election. In the primary’s Democratic ticket, Howard won convincingly against state Rep. Rodney Elliott. In the general election she faced off against Republican Sam Meas and independent candidate Joe Espinola, easily winning against both of them as well.
To retain the seat beyond the end of Kennedy’s term, Howard will need to run for it again in the midterm elections later this year. Meas indicated to The Sun after the March 3 election he has intentions of running again for the seat as well.
The 1st Middlesex District includes the city of Lowell and the towns of Dracut, Dunstable, Pepperell and Tyngsboro.
Material from State House News Service was used in this report.
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