Republican challenger struggles for foothold in 'purple' Andover-based rep district

Against a generally bleak landscape for Massachusetts Republicans in state legislative races next month, the contest for an Andover-based state representative seat seems like it ought to offer some hope to the state's beleaguered GOP. It's a rare swing district, where a Democrat was ousted 10 years ago by a conservative Republican who held the seat for four terms before it flipped back into Democratic hands two years ago. First-term Democratic rep Tram Nguyen is now facing her first reelection contest -- often thought to be an incumbent's most vulnerable race -- and is one of only 19 Democratic state reps to draw a Republican challenger.

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