The Massachusetts Service Employees International Union State Council has voted to endorse State Rep. Tram Nguyen, calling her the “clear choice” to represent the 6th District in Congress.

“The 85,000 members of 1199SEIU are proud to endorse Tram Nguyen for Congress,” said Cari Medina, executive vice president of 1199SEIU. “Tram’s record and background highlight her commitment to the issues healthcare workers face at work and in their communities. She is the fighter we need to take on the challenges impacting Massachusetts and our nation.”

The SEIU State Council brings together some of the most active and engaged labor organizations in the state: 1199SEIU, SEIU Local 509, SEIU Local 32BJ and the SEIU Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR).

“Tram Nguyen has been a champion for SEIU Local 509 in the state legislature, helping to lead the charge for family child care funding to improve the lives of working families and standing with fellow union members,” said Dave Foley, president of SEIU Local 509. “We’re thrilled to support her campaign for Congress, and we know that she’ll be an excellent advocate for Massachusetts communities.”

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. There are six Democrats  – Bethany Andres-Beck, John Beccia, Jamie Belsito, Dan Koh, Mariah Lancaster and Tram Nguyen – along with Republican Micah Jones. Nguyen is the current 18th Essex District state representative, serving Andover, Boxford, North Andover and Tewksbury.

“We are proud to stand with Tram because she is undaunted by the task ahead,” said Dr. Jamie Ye, Regional Vice President, New England CIR. “She has long been committed to the vision of Medicare for All, and we know she will continue to be a

fierce advocate for universal healthcare once in Congress. Throughout her career, she has been a committed ally for healthcare workers, and we know she will fight for safety, dignity, and fair contracts for all of us as the next Congresswoman from Massachusetts’ 6th District.”

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. 

“Tram Nguyen embodies the values and principles that guide the work we do at 32BJ. Not only has she fought for the working class, consistently, over the last eight years in the legislature, but she has centered her campaign on everyday people and addressing the affordability crisis that has hurt too many of our members and their families,” said Kevin Brown, executive vice president and District 615 state director, 32BJ SEIU. “We are confident that she will continue to stand up for workers in front of Congress and deliver on an affordability agenda, a workers’ rights agenda, and above all, a labor agenda that serves us all.”

According to her campaign, Nguyen has raised more than $255,000 from 1,185 individual donors, with more than 80% of funds coming from Massachusetts-based contributors.

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) reports Nguyen raised $430,518.84 from October 1 to March 31. Individual contributions account for $418,143.84, and she has received $12,375 from a committee.

“The vote of support from the members of the SEIU State Council is incredibly gratifying and a game-changing moment for our people-powered campaign,” said Nguyen. “Supporting workers has been at the center of my life and work since my parents brought us from Vietnam with $100 to our name to work multiple jobs and scrape by in Lawrence public housing. I have always stood by the working people, always fought for them in the State House and will always fight for them in Congress.”

Nguyen has spoken at three Democratic candidate debates at this point, noting that “we need to be bold and we need to stand up.”

“We need someone who can really understand the struggles of the people,” said Nguyen. “I know what it’s like to have to stand in the food pantry line. I know what it’s like to live in public housing…This is exactly why I’ve spent my entire career in public service.

Nguyen said in Ipswich that she has always fought against the opposition.

“I came to office in 2018, beating an acting Republican, to win the seat by 10 points because we’re very committed to fighting against extremism and creating a welcoming and inclusive community for all,” Nguyen said. “I have a track record doing that. I have a track record passing legislation, bringing money back to the district and making sure we put people first.”

She noted that bipartisanship is not about negotiations.

“There’s no negotiating with MAGA,” Nguyen said. “I’m the only one at this table that’s taken on MAGA. I know there’s no negotiations with them. Bipartisanship is about coalition. It’s about bringing people along to get things done.”

In Swampscott, Nguyen responded to the Swampscott Tides’ question about local implementation of federal regulations by noting the unprecedented disinvestment people are currently experiencing. She noted that her mother’s insurance went from $4 to $235, and she understands “how important it is for us to work with people, to make sure we understand the needs and be responsible to them.”

“I’m running for Congress because I believe that the government should be working for people, everyday people and not just a powerful few,” Nguyen said. “I’ve seen what it’s like when the government has failed us but also what it’s like when it actually delivers for us…I have spent my entire career in public service, making sure that we are uplifting the most vulnerable among us.”