Republican candidate for Manchester mayor Jay Ruais told NHJournal late Monday his recently-launched campaign has already raised $100,000. It is the latest indication that Queen City Republicans are coalescing around the political newcomer’s campaign.
“I am truly humbled by the outpouring of support this campaign has received since we kicked off our movement to deliver a New Day for Manchester,” Ruais said in a statement. “In just one month of campaigning, we have raised $100,000 from supporters who are ready to solve our homeless crisis, address our challenges with public safety, grow our economy, and restore fiscal discipline to City Hall. I am deeply grateful to all those who have signed on to help our city achieve its full potential, and I look forward to continuing to build our momentum in the coming months.”
The news comes less than a week after the Ruais campaign released a list of high-profile endorsements, including former four-term mayor Ted Gatsas, who now serves on the Executive Council, and local state Reps. Will Infantine, Ross Berry, and Larry Gagne.
Former mayor and First District Congressman Frank Guinta has agreed to serve as Ruais’ campaign chairman.
“As a former mayor of Manchester, I know exactly what it takes to run this city. Jay’s background as an officer in the Army National Guard, professional experiences working on addiction and homelessness issues, along with his personal story of resilience, is the perfect recipe to address our city’s deepest challenges.”
Gov. Chris Sununu has also endorsed Ruais.
Incumbent Mayor Joyce Craig (D) announced she would not be running for re-election, giving Republicans hope they could take back the office they held for all but six years between 1989 and 2018. A surge in violent crime and a high-profile homeless problem has marked Craig’s term.
Ward 2 Democratic Alderman Will Stewart has announced he is running. And Alderman-at-Large June Trisciani (D) formally kicked off her campaign Thursday.
Republican Victoria Sullivan is widely expected to enter the race despite losing in 2019 and 2021. Rich Girard, who finished just behind Sullivan in the 2021 nonpartisan primary, told The Boston Globe he would decide by April 12.
School board vice chair Jim O’Connell is also considering entering the race.
