Tara Hong

Tara Hong earned a high school diploma from Lowell High School and a bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell in 2022. His career experience includes working as a community advocate.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Tara Hong is the State Representative for the 18th Middlesex District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

He proudly represents

Acre (Ward 4 Precincts 3, 4A, Ward 7 Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4,)

Lower Highland (Ward 6, Precincts 1, 2, 3A, 4,)

Upper Highland (Ward 5 Precinct 1A, Ward 8 Precincts 1, 2, 3, and 4)

Pawtucketville (Ward 1 Precinct 1A)

State Representative Tara Hong has been involved with his community in Lowell since he finished high school. His experience spans from working with local nonprofits to participating in political campaigns. Through these experiences, he learned about key issues facing his constituents and about improvements that are needed. He volunteered and worked full-time for CMAA (Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association), where he focused on educating the Khmer and Southeast Asian communities about the importance of civic engagement. He also collaborated with CBA (Coalition for a Better Acre) and Lowell Alliance, helping to bring resources to members in need, and has experience in education, having worked for Lowell Public Schools where he served as a substitute teacher supporting student growth.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

CONSTITUENT SERVICES

As your State Representative, I am committed to keeping residents of the 18th Middlesex District informed and connected.

Office Hours: Regular opportunities to meet, share concerns, and discuss priorities.

Open Communication: Updates through social media, e-newsletters, and my website, reptarahong.com.

My goal is simple: to make our community stronger by showing up, listening, and bringing your voice to the State House.EDUCATION

I believe every child deserves access to a high-quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. Strong public schools are the foundation of a stronger community and a brighter future.

In my first term, I proudly voted to increase Chapter 70 education funding by 6.7% in the FY26 budget. As your State Representative, I will continue fighting for fair funding, better resources, and greater opportunities for all students in Lowell and across Massachusetts.AFFORDABLE HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS

Everyone deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home. As your State Representative, I have made housing affordability a top priority by supporting and filing legislation to expand affordable housing, protect tenants, and address homelessness.

I will continue working with local organizations, advocates, and community leaders to increase affordable housing options, support residents facing housing insecurity, and ensure more housing opportunities for families across our district. Together, we can build a community where everyone has a place to call home.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public service has always been about helping people. I am especially passionate about affordable housing, education, food security, economic opportunity, and supporting immigrants, seniors, veterans, and working families. Growing up in Lowell, I saw many families struggle to access the resources they needed, and those experiences inspired me to get involved in community service and eventually run for office. My goal is to ensure that everyone has a fair chance to thrive and that government works for the people it serves.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I immigrated to the U.S. from Cambodia in 2013—I was 13 years old. We were fortunate to come to Lowell, and I successfully went through Lowell Public Schools, Middlesex Community College, and graduated from UMass Lowell with a major in Political Science and a minor in Criminal Justice. I learned about Democracy here, and I aspire to uphold the ideals of a government by and for the people. I want to listen to the needs of the people in my community and to bring their voices with me to the State House. My district is racially diverse with White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations, and it is also economically diverse with individuals and families covering the whole spectrum of means from poverty to modest wealth and everything in between. We are different, but we live together. I want to keep us united and find compromise wherever possible to ensure that we all have what we need.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Constituent servicesEducationAffordable housing

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Constituent service is my top priority. We need open and effective communication so that every community member feels heard.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I live up to three core values: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Be honest to the people, show up to support the community no matter what and willing to take the risk to protect and serve the community.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to inspire others to come out and be a part of the community, regardless of age or appearance. Being involved in the community is important, and doing your civic duty by voting is also crucial because it will help our community grow together.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, it is important because, at the end of the day, we have to work together to serve each of our districts, and it has to be a collective effort to do so.

Tara Hong did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.