Lowell Democrat Vanna Howard makes history as first Cambodian-American state senator

Hours after immigrant advocates hooted and cheered for her in a packed Gardner Auditorium, Vanna Howard was sworn into the Massachusetts Senate on Wednesday as the first Cambodian-American state senator in the United States.

The Lowell Democrat won a special election for the First Middlesex District on March 3, succeeding the late Sen. Ed Kennedy, who died in October.

A survivor of the Khmer Rouge genocide, Howard fled Cambodia and came to the United States at the age of 11. She lost her father, brothers and grandparents in the process, she recalled on the floor.

"After escaping war-torn Cambodia, I came to the United States not knowing a word of English," Howard said. "Back then, I could have never dreamed of being in elected office. The journey was not easy, but this community raised me up, supported me, and inspired me to give back."

"Although I am the one standing here, this moment belongs to you, to you all," Howard said.

Right before officially swearing Howard in, Gov. Maura Healey called the senator "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. "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."

Howard worked for Congresswoman Niki Tsongas for 11 years and has led the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Asian American Commission. Howard was elected to represent the 17th Middlesex District in the House in 2020.

Spilka on Wednesday morning shouted out Howard during Immigrants Day at the State House, eliciting several eruptions of cheers and claps. Denoting her as the nation's soon-to-be first Cambodian-American state senator, Spilka called it "very appropriate" that her swearing-in was happening the same day.

In her remarks welcoming Howard to the Senate, Spilka said Howard "has experienced some things that have been different than many of the other senators here, and that's what makes this Senate so rich and broad."