Chris Pappas, an Executive Councilor and restaurant owner in Manchester, announced Thursday his campaign for the Democratic nomination in the 1st Congressional District.
Pappas joins a crowded field of candidates since U.S. Rep.Carol Shea-Porter, D-NH, said she would not run for re-election in 2018.
For his party profile and connections, that as co-owner of the family-owned Puritan Backroom Restaurant, Pappas may be considered a top Democrat in the race.
Other declared Democrats are: Mark MacKenzie, Lincoln Soldati, Maura Sullivan, and Terence O'Rourke.
State Sen. Andy Sanborn of Bedford and Eddie Edwards of Dover have previously launched campaigns for the GOP nomination in the 1st District.