Vanna Howard for State Representative

Meet Vanna

My name is Vanna Howard and I am a Democrat running for the 17th Middlesex District State Representative seat. I am running because I strongly feel the need to give back to a place which has been so good to me.

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We're still not sure what a political campaign looks like during a pandemic, but we know one thing remains universal: a grassroots campaign like ours is only as strong as its supporters. If you can put out a yard sign, volunteer your time, or pitch in a few dollars, please sign up now!

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Community Leaders Agree: We Trust Vanna Howard!

Vesna Nuon

Lowell City Councilor

Vanna has the public service experience to advocate for the interests of her constituents and the life experience to meet any challenge head on.

Jim Wilde

Executive Director of the Merrimack Valley Housing Project

In my opinion, Vanna represents the best in what our community needs. Starting as a young immigrant from a war torn country, she has excelled in our country. She connects with people from all walks of life. She sees the big picture. She listens. She cares. She is seeking public office for the first time and for the right reasons. We are fortunate to have people like Vanna willing to serve in the public arena.

Lianna Kushi

Executive Director and Co-founder of EforAll Lowell-Lawrence

Vanna Howard has been fighting for my daughters and all the women and girls in Lowell who need a voice. I am inspired by leaders like her. Let’s do all we can to get her to the state house!

John Drinkwater

Lowell City Councilor

Vanna not only has the strong commitment and work ethic needed to solve everyday problems for constituents, but the vision and great ideas to push for the bold policy changes we need.

Brian Martin

Former Lowell City Manager, Former LHS Head of School

Vanna’s life experiences, her personal and professional integrity, and her passion and dedication for community service make her my choice for State Representative.

Niki Tsongas

Former Member of Congress, Massachusetts 3rd Congressional District

Over our 12 years working together, Vanna distinguished herself as remarkably effective and trusted not only by her colleagues and me, but also by the thousands of people she helped over that time. I am confident that Vanna has the skillset, the deep community connections, and the compassion required to face our current challenges. I hope you will join me in voting for Vanna Howard on September 1st!

Lura Smith

Founder, Lura Smith Fund; Former Assistant to President of Middlesex Community College

Vanna Howard leads with excellence and dignity while addressing economic, educational, public health, and housing challenges within our communities.

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My Priorities

Affordable Housing

Every resident of the Commonwealth deserves a safe, healthy, affordable place to live. With spiraling costs and lack of supply – not to mention reduced participation on the Federal level – Massachusetts needs to engage in innovative solutions to a growing housing crisis. The Legislature has the ability (if not the willpower) to address urgent housing challenges, which include lack of affordable housing, high barriers to home ownership, and overpriced or substandard rental units. Too often, these issues result in families deciding between lodging and other necessities.

Public Health

We must ensure the safety of the most vulnerable among us - our seniors, people with underlying conditions, communities of color, health care workers, first responders, and essential workers. Straight talk, honesty, and clear communication with residents are critical right now.

Economic Recovery

My priority is getting people safely back to work and rebuilding our local economy. I am a strong advocate for small business and working people. I’ll use my public service experience and skillset to help our communities get the attention and funding we need and deserve. We should also take this opportunity to declare energy independence by investing in the new green jobs of the future.

Racism is a Public Health Crisis

This year’s widespread Black Lives Matter protests in the wake of George Floyd’s murder and other indiscriminate killings have been a wakeup call to many Americans. As a Cambodian woman, I am no stranger to the discrimination and structural inequities faced by communities of color. I am proud to join local leaders and over 1500 members of the public in declaring racism to be a public health crisis in Lowell. As State Representative, I will help to lead these discussions and I will listen.

Education and Child Care

Parents, teachers, and activists worked for years to pass the Student Opportunity Act and I will fight to see it implemented and fully funded. I will also push for universal access to pre-K and childcare, safe clean schools, fair compensation for teachers, and equal opportunity for low-income students, students of color, and students with disabilities.