18th Essex State Rep. Race: Tram Nguyen Continues To Add Endorsements

ANDOVER, MA — Tram Nguyen (D-18th Essex) continues to accumulate endorsements ahead of November's general election.

Nguyen, in her second term as a state representative, is running against Republican challenger Jeff Dufour, whom she defeated in the 2020 election.

On Wednesday, the Young Democrats of Massachusetts endorsed Nguyen, adding to recent Nguyen endorsements from groups like Mass Equality PAC, Clean Water Action and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-MA) Massachusetts Chapter Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE), according to representatives from Nguyen's campaign.

Nguyen's campaign has listed nearly 40 endorsements for their candidate, including from Planned Parenthood, MA AFL-CIO, Mass Voters for Animals, Iron Workers 7 and Bricklayers & Allied Craftsmen Local No. 3 Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, to name a few.

"My goal has always been to support working families, protect vulnerable populations and build a more welcoming and thriving Commonwealth for all," Nguyen said. "These endorsements reflect those values. I consider these organizations partners in fighting for good jobs with fair wages, reproductive freedom, LGBTQ rights, climate justice and equality and inclusion."

Politicians like Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, a candidate for governor, Rep. Seth Moulton (D-06), and Rep. Lori Trahan (D-03) also have endorsed Nguyen.

On Tuesday, Nguyen took to social media to thank the Mass Equality PAC for the endorsement.

On its website, the group calls itself the leading statewide grassroots advocacy organization working to ensure that everyone across Massachusetts can thrive from cradle to grave without discrimination and oppression based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

"LGBTQ+ rights are human rights and I won't allow those rights to be violated or rolled back," Nguyen wrote on social media. "I was proud to vote to expand access to gender-affirming care, and I'm proud to be endorsed by Mass Equality. We must continue to stand up against homophobia and bigotry."

Meanwhile, in an Oct. 6 letter expressing its endorsement of Nguyen, the NASW-MA PACE said Nguyen had been a strong advocate for social work values and social justice issues and worked to advance equitable education funding for mental health services.

"We are confident that Tram Nguyen will bring her policy expertise and experience to the House of Representatives, making her an effective and equity-minded leader for all people in the 18th Essex district," said Alison Freeman, chair of the NASW-MA PACE.

On his campaign website, Dufour lists his endorsement from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Massachusetts PAC. On Thursday, Dufour told Patch that the NFIB is his only endorsement so far.

The NFIB bills itself as the nation's leading small-business advocacy association.

"NFIB MA PAC is pleased to inform you that we have endorsed your candidacy for election to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in the 18th Essex District," NFIB State Director Christopher Carlozzi said in a letter to Dufour.

Carlozzi added: "We thank you for your responses to our issue survey and for indicating your support and understanding of the needs of thousands of Main Street small businesses and the millions of workers at small businesses in Massachusetts.

"Thank you for standing with us on important issues, best of luck in the campaign, and congratulations on the endorsement."