First-term U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander is facing a primary challenge from her progressive left, as state Rep. Paige Beauchemin (D-Nashua) announced her entry into the 2nd Congressional District Democratic primary.
“Running to challenge the status quo, Paige Beauchemin is bringing a wave of joy, authenticity, and a commitment to fighting for the people of New Hampshire with ‘disruptive compassion,’” according to a statement from her campaign.
Goodlander is a scion of Nashua’s wealthy Tamposi family. Her grandfather, Sam Tamposi, was a prominent real estate developer and part-owner of the Boston Red Sox. A longtime Washington, D.C., insider, Goodlander is married to former President Joe Biden’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and she previously worked in the Biden Department of Justice.
“Our campaign is about real people, real stories, and real solutions,” Beauchemin said. “Working-class people continue to be intentionally excluded from the political machine. I don’t just study the issues; I live them. And I’ll fight like hell for your family the way I fight for my own.”
Beauchemin, a registered nurse, was elected in a special election in 2023 following the resignation of Rep. David Cote. An unapologetic progressive, Beauchemin has been an outspoken advocate of allowing biological males who identify as female to compete in girls’ sports.
When Republican state Rep. Erica Layon (R-Derry) made a speech arguing that males in female sports harmed women, Beauchemin participated in a Democratic walkout in protest.
“They’re dying because of you,” Beauchemin shouted as she stormed out of the House chamber.
Not surprisingly, Beauchemin received an “F” rating in the new Americans for Prosperity–NH legislative report card. However, she did break with her party to support one initiative backed by the free-market group: ending the requirement for New Hampshire drivers to obtain annual inspection stickers.
Beauchemin held a campaign kick-off on Saturday, Oct. 4, in Nashua, inviting Granite Staters to “be part of a movement that’s as joyful as it is determined.”
Goodlander declined to respond to NHJournal’s request for comment.
In many ways, Beauchemin is echoing the progressive candidates in the NH-01 Democratic primary, where Stefany Shaheen, daughter of U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, is widely viewed as the Democratic frontrunner. Beauchemin’s campaign is advocating “universal, affordable, high-quality healthcare for all” and “ending the genocide in Gaza.”
She also calls for a “ban on all foreign money in US elections, no exceptions (AIPAC).” In fact, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which donated more than $60,000 to Goodlander, gets 100 percent of its funding from American citizens. Foreign nationals are prohibited by law from donating to U.S. federal candidates.
