New Hampshire’s top House Republican is backing one of his own in the 1st Congressional District primary, endorsing Rep. Brian Cole (R-Manchester) for Congress.
“Brian Cole is exactly the kind of leader New Hampshire needs in Washington,” said House Speaker Sherman Packard (R-Londonderry).
“As vice chairman of the House Housing Committee, Brian Cole played a key role in advancing meaningful legislation aimed at addressing the ongoing housing challenges. I am proud to endorse Brian, and I look forward to working with him to ensure New Hampshire sends a Republican voice to Congress.”
In remarks to Cole supporters Monday night, Packard praised Cole’s work in the House and said New Hampshire needs him in Congress.
“This guy’s impressive. He’ll do one hell of a job for us in Washington, D.C., obviously much better than Stefany Shaheen or what’s-her-face — Sullivan.”
Cole, who touts his advantage as the only Manchester candidate in the race from either party, welcomed the speaker’s backing.
“I am honored to have Speaker Packard’s support. He has been a tireless advocate for the people of New Hampshire, and his leadership has set the standard for conservative governance in our state,” Cole said in a statement. “Together, we will fight to lower costs, secure our borders, strengthen our economy, honor our veterans, and protect the values that make New Hampshire strong.”
The previous two members of Congress to represent NH-01, Reps. Frank Guinta (R) and Chris Pappas (D) are both from the Queen City.
Still, with rumors swirling that party leadership in Washington is behind Seacoast businessman Anthony DiLorenzo — and his ability to self-fund — backing Cole is viewed as an uphill battle for Packard. Why jump in now?
Several Republicans who spoke to NHJournal on background said it is part of Packard’s strategy of being loyal to his members, a strategy that has served him well in Concord.
“There’s nothing wrong with House members sticking together,” one conservative operative said. “It’s good for team morale.”
Cole wasn’t the only Republican in the NH-01 primary to pick up a significant endorsement Monday. Businesswoman Hollie Noveletsky, who ran in the 2024 primary, was endorsed by Maggie’s List — the conservative counterpart to the Democrats’ EMILY’s List.
“Maggie’s List endorses female candidates for federal office whose policy views and legislative behavior promote fiscal conservatism, less government, more personal responsibility, and strong national security,” according to the group’s website.
“As the former CEO of Novel Iron Works, Hollie is a proven leader in business — and especially Buy American initiatives,” the organization said in a statement. “Hollie is also a proud veteran and a health care professional, perspectives that will serve Americans well when she flips this seat in 2026.”
Noveletsky said she is “honored to receive the endorsement.”
“This campaign’s support is growing each day and is just getting started,” she added.
Bedford GOP Vice Chair Melissa Bailey is also running in the primary.
The new Granite State Poll, part of the States of Opinion Project conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, was released Monday. It found 73 percent of potential voters are undecided about the GOP primary for Congress or don’t know enough about the candidates to answer.
Of those who did, Noveletsky is tied for first with Chris Bright at 10 percent. Another 5 percent said they are backing Cole. Bright has already announced he is not running and will support DiLorenzo if he enters the race.
