U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas’ decision to run for U.S. Senate and create a vacancy in the 1st Congressional District is already attracting a crowded field of ambitious Republicans and Democrats interested in filling it.
Leading up to the 2018 congressional election, Democratic U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter’s decision to step away triggered a massive primary season that saw 10 Democrats and six Republicans compete for the seat ultimately won by Pappas.
Pappas wound up beating his closest Democratic contender, Maura Sullivan, by 12 points.
Sullivan, who worked in veterans’ affairs during President Barack Obama’s administration and served as a Marine captain during the Iraq War, has already signaled to insiders her interest in another congressional run.
She is currently the first-vice chair for the New Hampshire Democratic Party. Her history with Pappas, however, is complicated.
During the 2018 Democratic primary, her campaign blasted Pappas in a mailer, accusing him of having “no backbone” when it came to supporting progressive issues. At the time, Pappas called Sullivan’s accusation “beyond the pale.”
But Sullivan was all smiles at Pappas’ announcement of his U.S. Senate bid Thursday night, though she declined to speak with NHJournal about a possible race for Congress.
Other Democrats making the rounds on the rumor list include U.S. Sen. Jean Shaheen’s daughter Stefany, as well as 2018 contender — and current Portsmouth mayor — Deaglan McEachern.
The National Republican Congressional Committee, meanwhile, is salivating over not only Shaheen’s announced retirement but also the prospect of an open House seat.
“The writing is on the wall for House Democrats, and their vulnerable members are racing for the exits,” NRCC spokeswoman Maureen O’Toole said in a statement. “Republicans are ready to seize on their dysfunction.
“We look forward to flipping this open seat red.”
Weeks before Pappas officially opted for a Senate run, the NRCC had already added his congressional district to its 2026 target list, designating the Manchester Democrat as “vulnerable.”
The last Republican to carry the district was Frank Guinta, who won it in 2014 after losing it to Shea-Porter in 2012. (He lost it again in 2016.)
Former Executive Councilor Russell Prescott, who successfully navigated a crowded GOP primary only to lose to Pappas last fall by eight percentage points (218,577 votes to 185,936), told NHJournal another run is “on the table.”
Manchester Alderman-At-Large Joe Kelly Levasseur, who finished third in the GOP primary with 23 percent of the vote, said while it’s too early to make a decision, he didn’t hesitate to chide Pappas over his decision.
“Congratulations to Chris Pappas, the rightful heir to the far-left, out-of-touch, anti-America-First Democrat throne,” Levasseur told NHJournal. “I might actually turn WMUR on again just to see the commercials that will run non-stop- exposing his crazy far-left votes with his BLM (Black Lives Matter) Resist shirt on!”
The most serious interest from the 2024 GOP primary class has come from Derry entrepreneur and U.S. Army veteran Chris Bright.
Bright, who placed fourth in his first run for public office and captured 13 percent of the vote in 2024, recently told NHJournal he’ll likely give it another try.
“New Hampshire’s 1st District is going to be a closely watched race this coming election cycle. I’m honored by the encouragement I’ve received to run, and I’m taking a close look at the race,” said Bright. “I learned a great deal last cycle, and I am more motivated than ever to make a difference. If I move forward, it will be with a soldier’s determination to win and restore Granite State values to our congressional delegation.”
Hollie Noveletsky, the second-place finisher (23.9 percent), told NHJournal she “appreciates all the people who have reached out to me lately to encourage me to run again. I will make my decision as I evaluate my options over the coming months. The ultimate goal is to ensure we get new representation in the Granite State’s 1st Congressional District. We all need to work together and keep our eyes on the prize.”
