Trahan Wins Democratic Congressional Primary

Congresswoman Lori Trahan during an earlier appearance on 97.9 WHAV. (WHAV News file photograph.)

Lori Trahan on WHAV’s Open Mic Show earlier this year. (WHAV News photograph.)

The votes have been counted—and recounted—and Lori Trahan is the 3rd District’s Democratic pick to replace retiring Congresswoman Niki Tsongas.

Dan Koh, who nearly tied with Trahan, conceded in an email statement Monday afternoon.

“Today, my heart is filled with love and appreciation,” Koh said, adding, “Out of 89,000 votes, it looks like we fell short by about.1 percent. There’s no use in getting upset about the close margin – we can’t afford to.  It’s time for us to unite behind Lori Trahan to be sure this seat stays Democratic.”

Following a rollercoaster two weeks following the Sept. 4 primary election, in which 37 communities underwent recount proceedings under the direction of Secretary of State William F. Galvin’s office, Trahan secured victory when results were announced.

Trahan faces Republican Rick Green in November. Green congratulated both Democrats.

“Congratulations to Dan Koh on a hard-fought race, and to Lori Trahan on a hard fought victory, Green said in a statement.

“As we finally turn to November, I look forward to discussing the issues that matter most to the residents of this district,” he added. “For the last year, I’ve seen firsthand the infrastructure issues our district faces. I have heard the heart-breaking stories of those suffering from opiate addiction, and I’ve spoken to families who are tired of Washington squabbling at the expense of their communities.”

Locally, Koh won recounts in his Andover hometown, as well as in Haverhill, Lawrence and Methuen, while Trahan triumphed in her hometown of Lowell.

Supported locally by Haverhill and Methuen firefighters, along with former Methuen Mayor Stephen Zanni, Trahan focused her primary campaign on a platform that prioritized affordable continuing education options, universal healthcare and women’s rights.

Trahan won ballot bragging rights after triumphing over nine fellow Democrats, including Koh, Rufus Gifford, Sen. Barbara L’Italien, Rep. Juana Matias, Jeffrey Ballinger, Alexandra Chandler, Beej Das, Leonard Golder and Bopha Malone.

With her eye on November’s state election, Trahan—who faces Republican Rick Green and Independent Mike Mullen—told WHAV she’d be honored to step into the legendary shoes of Congresswoman Niki Tsongas to represent cities including Haverhill.

“I’ve often said in this campaign that better decisions are made when more women are at the table, and we need many more women serving. Not just in the halls of Congress, but in boardrooms across the country. I’m excited,” Trahan told WHAV at a September 16 Haverhill Democratic City Committee event. “I know they’re big shoes to fill in terms of the work and legacy of Congresswoman Tsongas but I’m ready to proudly serve.”

The deadline to register to vote in November’s state election is Oct. 17.