A 19-year-old Democrat from Billerica defeated an eight-term Republican state lawmaker in the November 3 election.
Daniel Darris-O'Connor defeated state Rep. Marc Lombardo, R-Billerica, in the 22nd Middlesex District. The victory will make him one of the youngest state representatives in Massachusetts history.
Darris-O'Connor already made headlines last year when he won a local election while still attending high school.
Here are five things to know about the incoming state representative.
1. Daniel Darris-O'Connor Is Just 19 Years Old
Darris-O'Connor was born January 5, 2007.
He will turn 20 on January 5, 2027, one day before the new Massachusetts Legislature takes office.
That will make him one of the youngest lawmakers in the state.
2. He Defeated A Republican Who Had Served Since 2011
Darris-O'Connor defeated Lombardo, who first won election to the Massachusetts House in 2010.
Lombardo served eight two-year terms representing Billerica.
The Republican had held the seat since Darris-O'Connor was four years old.
The victory came as Democrats made gains in the November 3 midterm elections.
3. He Won A Billerica Election While Still In High School
Darris-O'Connor already has experience in elected office.
In April 2025, he won a seat on the Billerica Select Board at age 18.
He received 2,755 votes, according to the town's official election results.
At the time, he attended Billerica Memorial High School and took classes at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
He balanced schoolwork with door-to-door campaigning.
He also used Facebook to reach voters.
"I think I capitalized on the social media, where I could connect with everyone and their mothers on Facebook," he told WCVB in April 2025.
4. He Campaigned On Affordability And Local Issues
Darris-O'Connor focused his state representative campaign on issues that affect Billerica residents.
Those included the rising cost of living and bringing more state funding back to his hometown.
He also discussed local needs during his time on the Select Board.
In 2025, he identified a new middle school and upgrades to the town's police department as priorities.
5. He Will Represent The 22nd Middlesex District
Darris-O'Connor will represent the 22nd Middlesex District, which covers Billerica.
He will replace Lombardo when the new legislative session begins January 6, 2027.
His victory marks a rapid rise in Massachusetts politics.
In April 2025, he was an 18-year-old high school student running for local office.
Less than two years later, he will serve in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
