After years of supporting candidates behind the scenes, Seacoast businessman Anthony DiLorenzo stepped to the front of the stage Wednesday, officially declaring his candidacy in the Republican primary for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District.
“While the people struggle, Washington is divided — stuck on the wrong issues and lacking common sense. I am running to change that. Congress needs more problem-solvers with an entrepreneurial mindset,” DiLorenzo said in a statement. “I believe I am that person and look forward to making my case to the people of New Hampshire’s First District.”
DiLorenzo, 61, is the owner and founder of Key Auto Group, an automotive dealership network, and a developer with projects in downtown Portsmouth.
Although DiLorenzo has never run for office, supporters point to his years of involvement in campaigns and, perhaps most importantly, his financial resources, which give him the ability to mount a viable challenge for the seat. He has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to candidates and committees over the past two decades.
Chris Bright, Anthony DiLorenzo, and Chris Ager at the DiLorenzo campaign kickoff in Portsmouth, N.H., on October 15, 2025.
When asked about his top priorities, DiLorenzo repeatedly cited the nation’s nearly $38 trillion federal debt and the need to balance the budget.
“I think that, besides China, deficit spending is probably our biggest Achilles’ heel,” he told NHJournal.
DiLorenzo said he has met — and donated to — elected officials on both sides of the aisle, adding that it’s time to put results over partisanship.
“Right now, our politics is very polarized, and the American people are the ones who suffer for it,” he said.
Despite his years of community involvement in the district, DiLorenzo said he has never met outgoing U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas. He called Pappas a disappointment, describing him as part of a new generation of Democrats “who vote first with their party and secondly think of their constituents.”
“Pappas has voted with [former House Speaker] Nancy Pelosi almost his entire career,” DiLorenzo said.
When asked for a specific vote he disagreed with, DiLorenzo cited Pappas’ opposition to a bill that would have barred biological males from competing in girls’ sports.
“I don’t know how anybody could vote against that,” he said. “You know why they [Democrats] did? Because they care more about their party line than they do about the people. It’s ridiculous, and that needs to be brought to light, because I don’t think most people know how Pappas votes.”
DiLorenzo joins a Republican primary field that already includes Melissa Bailey, state Rep. Brian Cole, and Hollie Noveletsky.
Chris Bright, the first announced GOP candidate in the NH-01 race, dropped out and endorsed DiLorenzo. After speaking at the campaign launch Wednesday evening, Bright told NHJournal why he’s backing the new entrant.
“First, he’s just a good guy,” Bright said. “I met him and realized we agree on most of the issues. I think it’s time for Republicans to unite so we can win, and I’m trying to lead by example.”
At least one Democrat appears concerned about DiLorenzo’s candidacy. His fellow Portsmouth resident Stefany Shaheen, daughter of outgoing U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, released a statement attacking DiLorenzo as a “MAGA mega-donor working for corporate special interests and rubber-stamping whatever Donald Trump wants.”
Shaheen, however, has her own challenges. Despite her famous last name and her mother’s donor network, the younger Shaheen is currently in third place in the fundraising “money primary,” behind Democrats Maura Sullivan and Christian Urrutia.
Bright said Republicans need to stop pretending money doesn’t matter and acknowledge that DiLorenzo’s financial strength is a major asset in the race.
“It’s just a fact: It costs money to run, and the big national donors who have buoyed the Democrats have stopped helping New Hampshire Republicans,” Bright said. “Here’s a donor with a big network who’s willing to put his money where his mouth is.
“He’s telling donors nationwide that this is a seat we can flip if we come together.”
When asked how he plans to win a federal race in a state where Democrats have dominated for more than a decade, DiLorenzo was succinct.
“Well, first, you have to run. I can’t win if I don’t get in,” he said. He pointed to his business record as a model.
“My job in business is to fix the stuff that nobody else can deal with — and I like it.”
