Vietnamese-American becomes Massachusetts state senator

Dean Tran was sworn in as one of 40 senators from Massachusetts.

Mr. Dean Tran at the oath-taking ceremony on December 20. Photo: Telegram.

On December 20, Mr. Tran became the first Vietnamese to be a member of the Massachusetts state legislature, in a ceremony presided over by state governor Charlie Baker, AP reported.

The Fitchburg representative won the race on December 5, replacing Democratic state Rep. Jennifer Flanagan, who was appointed to the Cannabis Control Commission.

Acting State Senate President Harriette Chandler welcomed Mr. Tran, saying his efforts and determination are "an example of making the American dream come true."

Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale and Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella attended the ceremony. Mr. DiNatale shared his joy that Mr. Tran has become a member of the city, believing that Mr. Tran will make a positive contribution to his constituents.

New Senator Tran said he is proud of his own development in America, where any child from another country, growing up in poverty, can receive a good education and then become an elected official of the state of Massachusetts.

"I have never been a political partisan. I look forward to serving in the state legislature to work for the people and represent them," the Sentinel and Enterprise quoted Mr. Tran as saying.

Born in Saigon, Mr. Tran, whose Vietnamese name is Dat, immigrated to the United States with his parents and five siblings in 1977, settling in Fitchburg. In 2005, he was elected to the Fitchburg City Council, serving six terms. He will leave the position on December 31, and plans to resign from his management position at the software development company.

According to VNE