Rep. Maggie Goodlander Advances in New Hampshire Election

Rep. Maggie Goodlander, D-N.H., has secured her victory in the primary election, paving the way for a general election face-off in a Democrat-leaning district. This area generally covers the western half of New Hampshire, stretching from Massachusetts to the Canadian border.

Goodlander, the wife of Jacob Sullivan, former National Security Adviser under President Biden, triumphed in her first race for this seat in 2024. She succeeds the retiring Rep. Ann Kuster, D-N.H. Despite Republican dominance in the governor’s office in recent years, Democrats have achieved significant success at the congressional level.

The district has been under Democratic control since 2013, although it was previously held by Rep. Charles Bass, R-N.H., who had two extended tenures with a brief Democratic interruption in the mid-1990s.

Now-Rep. Maggie Goodlander addressed supporters at a campaign event preceding then-President Joe Biden’s appearance at the New Hampshire Democratic Party headquarters on October 22, 2024, in Concord, N.H.

Goodlander faced competition from New Hampshire State Rep. Paige Beauchemin, D-Hillsborough, and an independent candidate in the upcoming general election. Her Republican contender following the four-way primary was Lily Tang Williams.

Goodlander’s husband, Jacob Sullivan, held a significant role in the White House and was involved in key foreign policy matters. He influenced the handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021 and shaped U.S. relations amid the early Russia-Ukraine War phase, as well as engagement with China.

Paige Beauchemin challenged Goodlander from a progressive stance, questioning her effectiveness and progressiveness during her term. The district, known for its rural character, encompasses northern New Hampshire cities like Pittsburg.

Neighboring Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., is leaving his House seat to pursue a Senate position. This change comes as Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., vacates her seat. These shifts promise a transformed political landscape in New Hampshire by January.

Born and raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Goodlander has worked in the New York and Washington bureaus for Fox News since 2013.