Political newcomer Melissa Bailey announced her candidacy in the First Congressional District’s Republican primary, expressing her “strong support for President Trump’s America First agenda.”
“I’m running for Congress to protect your freedom, so you can live your life, raise your children, and pursue the American Dream free from government overreach and extreme agendas,” Bailey said in her announcement.
And despite the Granite State GOP’s struggles in federal elections the past decade, she told NHJournal she’s “optimistic about 2026.”
One reason is unity. “Trump is more popular than ever at the national level. I know it’s not the same in New Hampshire, but he’s really united the party.’
Another reason is the issue set.
“I think when you talk to people about the issues, they do agree the Republican Party is on the right side.”
For Bailey, 45, and the mother of three, one of those issues is protecting girls’ sports and spaces.
“In the past, Democrats controlled the narrative on social issues. It was abortion, and ‘our democracy is in danger.’ But now people are saying, ‘We don’t want boys in girls’ sports.’”
Bailey played soccer and ran track at Lebanon High, and her daughter is an athlete, too.
“We can be compassionate people, and we can understand that people struggle with issues. But that doesn’t mean we change about Title IX. We fought hard for Title IX and for women and girls to have their own sports and safe spaces. It doesn’t make sense now to turn away from that.”
A first-time candidate, Bailey serves as vice chair of the Bedford Republican Committee and is a member of the New Hampshire Federation of Republican Women.
It’s an open race in NH-01 thanks to incumbent U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas running for U.S. Senate next year. Democrat Stefany Shaheen, daughter of retiring U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, is widely viewed as the frontrunner to fill the seat Pappas is leaving.
Three other Democrats — Harvard faculty member Carleigh Beriont, former Obama VA official Maura Sullivan, and attorney Christian Urrutia — are also seeking the Democratic Party’s nod.
Businessman and Army veteran Chris Bright is the only other announced Republican in the primary thus far.
Asked if it was fair to criticize Stefany Shaheen as a “nepo baby” candidate, Bailey said it depends on how she runs her campaign.
“Right now, I think she’s doing the ‘Hidin’ Biden’ thing; she doesn’t want to tell people what she believes,” Bailey said. “But if she comes out for some positions and really distinguishes herself, I don’t think (nepotism) should be held against her.”
All of the Democrats in the race have denounced the “Big, Beautiful Bill” just signed into law by President Trump. Bailey told NHJournal she would have voted for it if she were in Congress today.
“It had to pass because the people of New Hampshire can’t afford a tax increase, which is what would have happened if it failed,” Bailey said.
“Obviously, it is far from a perfect bill, but concessions are part of the process of governing. In my opinion, the good far outweighs the bad.”
