CONCORD, N.H. — On Tuesday, Democrats aim to preserve their significant presence in New Hampshire’s congressional representation, while Republicans are eager to reclaim territory by removing an incumbent or securing an open seat.
In the 1st Congressional District, which encompasses the eastern part of the state including Manchester—the largest city—Democratic U.S. Representative Chris Pappas is vying for his fourth term. He faces off against former Republican state Senator Russell Prescott. This district has experienced notable political shifts in the past, with party control changing hands five times within a six-election cycle span from 2006 to 2016.
In the 2nd Congressional District, which features Nashua and Concord, Republicans have not held this seat since 2013. This position has now opened up as Democratic U.S. Representative Annie Kuster, the district’s longest-serving member, has announced her retirement after completing six terms. In the race for Kuster’s seat, Democratic former White House aide Maggie Goodlander is competing against Republican activist Lily Tang Williams.
Currently, these two districts represent New Hampshire’s entire congressional landscape, and neither of the state’s U.S. senators, both Democrats, are facing reelection this cycle.
In the 1st Congressional District, both Pappas and Prescott previously served together on the governor’s Executive Council, a committee that oversees state contracts and judicial nominees. They were in office together for the latter part of Pappas’ three terms and the beginning of Prescott’s two terms.
Pappas, who describes himself as a pragmatic legislator in Washington, has emphasized his support from various groups including women, veterans, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce throughout his campaign. Making the issue of abortion rights a central theme, he has labeled Prescott as “radically out of step” and challenged his trust in women’s decision-making regarding their health.
“I don’t think politicians should dictate these choices,” Pappas stated during a recent debate. “I draw my guidance directly from the constituents of New Hampshire.”
Prescott, who served a decade in the state Senate, has voiced his opposition to abortion while making it clear he would not advocate for a federal ban. Instead, he aims to prioritize U.S.-Mexico border security, inflation reduction, and tax cuts. Prescott has criticized Pappas for supporting what he describes as liberal policies that he believes have heightened taxes and the rates of illegal immigration.
After finishing fourth in the Republican primary for this seat in 2022, Prescott successfully navigated a crowded field of six candidates this time to secure the nomination.
“Evaluate my record, my actions, and who I truly am,” he declared in last week’s debate, seeking voter confidence to address border troubles, economic challenges, and to promote energy independence.
In the 2nd Congressional District, Tang Williams also persevered through two attempts to earn the GOP nomination. She previously placed third in the 2022 primary before triumphing over a dozen candidates this year. Goodlander, on the other hand, faced only one opponent to claim the Democratic nomination.
Goodlander, who is married to President Biden’s national security adviser, grew up in Nashua and has recently relocated back from Washington. She has experienced roles in the Justice Department as a leading antitrust official and served as legal counsel to Attorney General Merrick Garland before her recent appointment in the White House chief of staff’s office.
Throughout her campaign, she pledged to safeguard democracy, improve abortion access, and combat what she considers to be corporate monopolies escalating costs of living, healthcare, prescription drugs, and groceries.
“We can unite as Democrats and Republicans to confront shared challenges as Americans, and that’s been my approach in the fight against the primary factors driving up expenses for residents across this state,” she stated in a past debate.
Tang Williams, who originally hails from China and became a U.S. citizen in 1994, works as a business and legal consultant. A former chair of the Colorado Libertarian Party, she made unsuccessful attempts for office there before moving to New Hampshire.
Identifying herself as a representation of the American dream, she asserts that her Washington priorities will include controlling inflation, enhancing border protection, and stopping what Republicans characterize as the government’s “weaponization” against conservatives.
“Do you prefer a representative who truly embodies the populace or someone entrenched in the D.C. landscape?” she asked during last week’s debate. “I will serve you with pride and openness.”