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By Kiera Blessing and Mike LaBella, Eagle Tribune
In one of the most highly anticipated midterm elections in a generation, key congressional races across the nation came down to the wire. In Massachusetts, however, most contests were decidedly won — and mainly by Democrats.
Among the most surprising victories was political newcomer Tram Nguyen’s defeat of four-term incumbent state Rep. Jim Lyons in the 18th Essex District. Nguyen, an Andover lawyer, claimed victory about 9 p.m. Tuesday, turning one of Massachusetts’ rare red districts blue eight years after Lyons took the seat from now-state Sen. Barbara L’Italien.
The 18th Essex District was a microcosm of the country Tuesday, representing a race similar to the power struggle between President Donald Trump — whom Lyons strongly supports — and his Democratic critics. While Lyons was endorsed by Gov. Charlie Baker, Nguyen received endorsements from Democrats like former President Barack Obama and former Hillary Clinton.