Sokhary Chau pulls nomination papers for his State Representative campaign.

LOWELL –  Sokhary Chau, who made history as the United States’ first ever Cambodian American mayor when elected to the position in Lowell back in 2022, today announced his candidacy for State Representative in the 18th Middlesex District.

The district is comprised of Lowell’s Acre and Highlands neighborhoods. The seat is currently held by Rep. Tara Hong (D-Lowell), who defeated incumbent Rady Mom in the 2024 Democratic primary to earn the seat.

In announcing his run, Chau touted “a record of delivering” for constituents.

“I’ve built my reputation by listening, advocating, and collaborating across differences to deliver real results,” said Chau. “For families in the Acre, the Lower Highlands, and the Upper Highlands, housing stability, economic opportunity, quality education, affordable healthcare, and an end to homelessness are not abstract policy categories, they are everyday realities.”

He was first elected to the Lowell City Council in 2019 under the then at-large system. In 2021, he was elected as the District 6 (Lower Highlands) representative under Lowell’s new system. Chau easily won re-election in 2023 and ran unopposed this past November to retain the seat.

The lifelong Democrat vowed to fight for every resource the 18th Middlesex District needs, with a clear focus on strengthening both the young families putting down roots and the seniors who built this community.

“At the center of that fight is a simple truth; homeownership is the foundation of security and generational wealth,” Chau added. “In a district where more than sixty percent of residents rent and nearly half are rent-burdened, young families are working hard and raising children without a clear path to homeownership. At the same time, many seniors who have spent generations here face a rising cost of living and the very real fear of being priced out of the neighborhoods they helped build. The stakes could not be higher, for both the families putting down roots and the seniors who deserve to age in place with dignity.”

The primary election is September 1, 2026.