Dr. Mariah Lancaster has dropped out of the race for the 6th Congressional District seat, endorsing State Rep. Tram Nguyen.
“This is the election of a generation and, in the final days of this race, we must come together to ensure the 6th District is represented by someone who will champion our progressive values,” Lancaster said. “I have always promised the voters of this district that I would do what is right, even when it’s hard. I thank each and every one of my supporters from the bottom of my heart, and I humbly ask you to join me in supporting Tram Nguyen.”
The 6th District’s congressional seat is up for grabs after Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) announced he would challenge Sen. Edward Markey in the Democratic primary ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. With Lancaster’s withdrawal, there are five Democrats – Bethany Andres-Beck, John Beccia, Jamie Belsito, Dan Koh, and Tram Nguyen – along with Republican Micah Jones running in the primary.
Lancaster is a veterinarian, who previously worked as a congressional aide. Lancaster also served as a foreign affairs officer at the State Department, working against environmental crime and corruption. When Republicans took over Congress, Lancaster moved into non-profit government affairs work.
Lancaster will join Nguyen for a rally and canvass kickoff on Sunday in Salem alongside Massachusetts Attorney Gen. Andrea Campbell as well as Reps. Lori Trahan and Ayanna Pressley.
“I am grateful to Mariah for their support of our campaign. We share a commitment to building a stronger future for our communities and fighting for the issues that matter most to working families,” said Nguyen. “This campaign has always been about bringing people together around a vision for progress, opportunity and meaningful change. We are proud to have Mariah join us in this effort, and welcome everyone who believes it is time for a new type of leader in Congress – someone who will stand up, speak out and deliver results. With this growing coalition behind us, we are more energized than ever to continue taking our message to voters across the district and earning their support.”
Nguyen chairs the House Committee on Climate Action and Sustainability, making her the first Asian American woman to chair a committee in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. She has received endorsements from over 60 of her State House colleagues as well as community leaders and organizations.
Born in Vietnam, Nguyen immigrated to the U.S. with her family at age 5 and grew up in the Merrimack Valley. She previously worked at Greater Boston Legal Services, representing survivors of domestic violence in family and immigration law.
If elected, Nguyen would become the first woman to represent the 6th Congressional District.
From October 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, Nguyen’s team has received $710,687.05 in contributions, according to the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Nguyen told the Swampscott Tides that almost 85% of her donations come from within Massachusetts and almost 30% come from within the 6th District itself.
Nguyen has been endorsed by many officials and groups, including State House Speaker Pro Tempore Kate Hogan, the SEIU Council, Progressive Mass, the New American Leaders Action Fund and local representatives including Swampscott’s Select Board Vice Chair Danielle Leonard.
