The phrase "was in power" refers to the state of being in control, authority, or supremacy. There are several synonyms that can be used to express the same meaning, such as "held office," "occupied a position of authority," "had control," "governed," "ruled," "dominated," "commanded," "led," and "reigned." Each of these words conveys a different nuance of meaning but ultimately refers to the same idea of holding a position of power. By using different synonyms, a writer can add more variety and depth to their writing and help avoid tedious repetition of the same phrase.