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On Sept. 8, Granite Staters will head to the polls to decide who will appear on the general election ballot in November. So every day this week, we’ll be breaking down the biggest primary races.
With one week to go until voters head to the polls, our primary primer series continues with New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District (aka “CD2”), which covers most of the northern, southern, and western portions of the state.
Remember, if you need to double check whether you vote in this district, you can look up a sample ballot here.
The big picture
These races aren’t quite as chaotic as in CD1. With smaller candidate pools, frontrunners polling over 40 points ahead of their competitors, and a seat that’s been reliably blue for seven election cycles, the 2nd District is shaping up to be a more straightforward primary contest. But as we said, there’s more than meets the eye.
Want to see how they stack up? Two of the Republican frontrunners met for a primary debate hosted by WMUR on Monday. (The TV station is planning more debates in the coming days, here’s the schedule.)
To help you get to know each candidate... We’ve compiled their campaign websites, Citizens Count profiles, and (where available) video interviews with WMUR or other outlets. Later this fall, NHPR will host our own candidate forums with the winners of each primary.
The state of the race: Democrats
For Democrats, it’s an incumbent vs. a progressive challenger. Rep. Maggie Goodlander, who’s wrapping up her first term in Congress, comes from a wealthy, well-connected New Hampshire family and worked in the Biden administration.
She’s in a confident position, but will have to contend with Beauchemin, a state lawmaker who’s part of a wave of political newcomers trying to disrupt New Hampshire’s Democratic establishment.
Citing her background as a working parent and a registered nurse, she’s trying to paint herself as more grounded and in-touch with the average Granite Stater.
- Paige Beauchemin, Nashua state representative: interview, details
- Maggie Goodlander, incumbent Congresswoman: interview, details
The state of the race: Republicans
For Republicans, it’s a familiar name vs. a political newcomer. In a moment where most congressional candidates model themselves after national politicians, frontrunners Lily Tang Williams and Victor Orlando are taking a more DIY approach. Tang Williams, who has unsuccessfully run for the seat twice, hopes her persistence (and growing online following) will push her over the edge. Meanwhile, Orlando, a newcomer with little name recognition or campaign funds, is banking on a pro-labor platform — an unusual stance for modern Republicans.
- Michael Anthony Callis, stone mason: details
- Dan Nicholson, former small business owner: details
- Victor Orlando, small business owner: interview, details
- Lily Tang Williams, co-chair of the New Hampshire Asian American Coalition: interview, details
Go deeper
- Visual learner? Here’s a full breakdown of the races from my colleague Josh Rogers.
- Want to follow the money? Explore all of the fundraising reports on FEC.gov.
- Not sure what you need to bring to the polls? We’ve got you covered.
- What’s most important to you when casting your vote? Let us know what’s on your mind. Your perspective will help us better serve you and other New Hampshire voters this election season.
