Democrat Katherine Clark is preparing to be sworn in as the state's newest member of Congress.
Clark became only the fifth woman ever elected to the U.S. House from Massachusetts on Tuesday. She credited her win to her campaign's ability to connect with voters.
Clark thanked backers gathered in Stoneham after polls closed and pledged to help Congress get "back to work for families."
The Melrose state senator defeated Republican Frank Addivinola, and two other candidates, James Aulenti and James Hall.
Clark could be sworn in as early as this week to fill the 5th Congressional District seat that became vacant earlier this year when longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. Edward Markey won a special election to fill the Senate seat left open after John Kerry was named secretary of state.
