Lori Trahan

Lori Trahan is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Massachusetts's 3rd congressional district since 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, she succeeded Niki Tsongas and represents a district that includes the cities of Lowell, Lawrence, and Concord. Trahan serves on the influential House Energy and Commerce Committee and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Early Life and Education

Lori Trahan was born and raised in Lowell, Massachusetts, the daughter of a welder and a homemaker who emigrated from Portugal. She attended Lowell High School before earning a scholarship to Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.. At Georgetown, she worked in the office of Congressman Marty Meehan and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service.

Career

Before entering politics, Trahan worked in the technology and business strategy sectors. She served as the first Executive Director of the Women's High Tech Coalition and later co-founded the Concord Consulting Group, a management consulting firm. Her corporate experience includes leadership roles at ChoiceStream, a advertising technology company, and she served as Chief of Staff to Marty Meehan during his tenure as Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Political Career

Trahan entered the crowded 2018 Democratic primary to succeed retiring Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, narrowly winning the nomination after a recount. In the 2018 general election, she defeated Republican Rick Green and independent Mike Mullen to win election to the 116th United States Congress. In the House, she secured a seat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where she focuses on issues like healthcare, broadband access, and climate change. She co-founded the Congressional Labor Caucus and has been a vocal advocate for the Protecting the Right to Organize Act. During the 117th United States Congress, she served on the Select Committee on the January 6 Attack and supported key legislation like the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Personal Life

Trahan lives in Westford, Massachusetts with her husband, David Trahan, and their two daughters. She is a practicing Roman Catholic and is actively involved in community organizations across the Merrimack Valley. Her personal background as the daughter of Portuguese immigrants frequently informs her policy focus on economic opportunity and immigration reform.

Electoral History

In the 2018 Democratic primary for Massachusetts's 3rd congressional district, Trahan placed first in a field of ten candidates, defeating opponents like Daniel Koh and Barbara L'Italien by a margin of 145 votes after a recount. She won the general election with 62% of the vote against Rick Green. She was re-elected in 2020, defeating Republican Dean Tran, and again in 2022 against Republican Dean Tran and Independent Robert J. May. Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts Category:1973 births Category:Living people Category:American women in politics Category:Georgetown University alumni