A prominent Democrat has launched her campaign to fill the congressional seat being vacated by Representative Chris Pappas in New Hampshire, setting the stage for a highly anticipated and competitive election cycle.
Maura Sullivan, a former Marine Corps officer with prior service at both the Pentagon and the Veterans Administration during Barack Obama’s presidency, formally announced her candidacy this week. Speaking to Fox News, she emphasized the need for fresh leadership within both the nation and the Democratic Party, stating, “Our country clearly needs a new generation of leadership, period. And the Democratic Party needs new leadership, and I’m running to be one of those leaders.”
Sullivan’s entrance into the race follows Pappas’ decision to pursue a campaign for the U.S. Senate after Senator Jeanne Shaheen announced her retirement at the end of her term.
The 1st Congressional District, which encompasses the eastern portion of New Hampshire, is considered a crucial swing district and a key target for Republicans seeking to shift control in next year’s elections. Sullivan previously ran for this same seat in 2018, finishing second in a crowded primary election won by Pappas.
In a campaign launch video shared across social media platforms, Sullivan directly addressed her concerns about prominent figures:
“I saw too many of my fellow Marines give their lives for this country to just sit by and watch Donald Trump and Elon Musk tear it down. They’re driving up costs for New Hampshire families, making it even more difficult to own a home and pay the bills.”
She continued in her interview with Fox News Digital, expressing widespread anxieties across the state: “I’m hearing from folks all around New Hampshire that they’re worried, they’re scared, they’re frustrated, and I am too.”
While Sullivan’s announcement marks the debut of a major contender, she is unlikely to be alone in seeking this seat. Several other individuals are exploring their potential candidacy:
* Tom Sherman: A former state senator and physician who was the Democratic nominee for governor in 2022, he acknowledged his “definite interest” in running for Congress while keeping his options open.
* John Morgan: A cybersecurity executive and former state Senator, described himself as “kicking the tires” on a possible campaign, highlighting the need for “bold leadership.”
* Rebecca Perkins Kwoka: The state senator is also considered a potential Democratic contender.
On the Republican side, several individuals are weighing their options:
- Russell Prescott, the 2024 GOP nominee who lost to Pappas, is considering another run.
- Hollie Noveletsky, Joe Kelly Levasseur and Chris Bright, all contenders in the previous primary election, are also evaluating their chances.
- State Attorney General John Formella is being considered as a potential Republican candidate.
The race promises to be both expensive and highly competitive, with significant implications for control of Congress.
