Representative Tram T. Nguyen Democrat - 18th Essex

(Tram rhymes with “mom” — “Trawm”; Nguyen sounds like “win”)

Representative Tram T. Nguyen proudly serves the 18th Essex District, which includes parts of Andover, Boxford, North Andover, and Tewksbury, in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. A first-generation Vietnamese American immigrant and the first in her family to graduate from college and law school, Tram embodies the power of perseverance and opportunity. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Tufts University, her Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law, and her Master in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School.

Before entering public service, Tram built her career as a legal aid attorney at Greater Boston Legal Services, where she fought tirelessly for survivors of domestic violence, low-wage workers, veterans, seniors, and children. Her advocacy extended beyond the courtroom as she worked in coalition with statewide partners and policymakers to advance legislation promoting racial and economic justice and to protect the rights of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

Elected in 2018, Tram made history as the first Vietnamese American woman elected to public office in Massachusetts, the first Vietnamese American elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and the highest-ranking Asian American woman in the Legislature. She has served as Co-Chair of the Special Commission on Structural Racism in the Massachusetts Probation Service and currently serves as Chair of the House Committee on Climate Action and Sustainability, becoming the first Asian American woman ever to chair a House Committee.

Throughout her legal career, Tram has been recognized for her leadership, vision, and commitment to justice. Her honors include the Lawrence Bar Association Merit Award, Vietnamese American Bar Association Public Service Award, Reginald Heber Smith Award for Legal Advocacy, and the UAW Social Justice Award.

As a legislator, she has received numerous distinctions, including:

• Women’s Empowerment Award (2019)
• Asian American Women’s Political Initiative Legislator of the Year (2019)
• Young Democrats of Massachusetts Elected Official of the Year (2020)
• Council of State Governments “20 Under 40” Award (2020)
• NewDEAL Leader (2021)
• Gabby Giffords Rising Star Award Nominee (EMILY’s List, 2021)
• Caring Bear Award (The Caring Force of the Providers’ Council, 2021)
• Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance Legislator of the Year (2022)
• YWCA Tribute to Women Award (2022)
• HAWC Dale Orlando Award (2023)
• Women’s Bar Association Emerging Women Leaders in the Law Award (2023)
• The Holly Taylor Sargent Award for Women’s Advancement (2024)
• Emerge Massachusetts Woman of the Year (2024)
• Asian American Women’s Political Initiative Gamechanger Award (2024)
• Women’s Bar Association Public Official of the Year Award (2025)
• Green Mentors Global Green Leadership Award (2025)

Tram continues to champion policies that expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and create a more equitable and sustainable future for all. Her story is a testament to the belief that with hard work, courage, and compassion, we can break barriers and build a Commonwealth where everyone, no matter their background, has the chance to thrive.