LOWELL – Lowell City Councilor Sokhary Chau announced Thursday he has earned the endorsement of State Auditor Diana DiZoglio in his campaign for State Representative of the 18th Middlesex District.

In making the endorsement official, Auditor DiZoglio highlighted Chau’s integrity and his proven record of making Lowell City Hall more accessible during his tenure as mayor from 2022 to 2024.

“Sokhary Chau is a man of his word who leads with integrity,” said Auditor DiZoglio. “As the first Cambodian American to serve as mayor in the United States, Sokhary opened the doors of Lowell City Hall to people who felt they never had access before and brought new voices into the conversation. He elevated an office once thought to be largely ceremonial and set a high bar for his successors to follow. At a time when House leadership is abandoning the will of voters, I know Sokhary will uphold their will and be a force for change.”

Chau said he was honored to receive DiZoglio’s endorsement and reiterated his strong support for auditing the Legislature, pledging to stand firmly with the voters.

“Auditor DiZoglio is a champion for making government more transparent, accessible, and accountable. I am deeply honored to have earned her endorsement,” Chau said. “As State Representative, I will never abandon my pledge to support auditing the Legislature—a measure approved by 72% of voters. The key word in ‘State Representative’ is ‘representative.’ Just as I have on the City Council and in the Mayor’s Office, I will work tirelessly for a government that is of the people and for the people, and I will never forget whom I am there to serve.”

Chau’s opponent in the race, incumbent State Rep. Tara Hong, drew a sharp rebuke from the Auditor Wednesday as he voiced support for House Bill 5469.

Hong and House leadership claim the measure carefully balances transparency with constitutional independence and effective governance. DiZoglio and critics say it effectively nullifies the Auditor’s office ability to conduct a full audit.

Hong had originally voiced support for DiZoglio’s efforts while campaigning for the seat during the 2024 election.