Maggie Goodlander Advances in New Hampshire Election

Rep. Maggie Goodlander, Democrat from New Hampshire, has won her primary, advancing to the general election in a district that spans the western half of New Hampshire. This region stretches from Massachusetts to the Canadian border and is generally considered to lean Democratic.

Goodlander is married to Jacob Sullivan, the former National Security Adviser under President Joe Biden. She first won the seat in 2024, succeeding the retiring Rep. Ann Kuster, also a Democrat. Despite the Republican dominance in the governor’s office in New Hampshire, Democrats have found success in congressional races.

The district has been under Democratic control since 2013, previously held by Rep. Charles Bass, a Republican, who had two long terms interrupted by a Democrat in the mid-1990s.

“Trump says the US may recover all equipment left behind in Afghanistan,” a statement linked to his comments on the Biden administration’s decisions.

Goodlander spoke at a campaign event with President Biden at the New Hampshire Democratic Party headquarters on October 22, 2024, in Concord, NH.

She faced State Rep. Paige Beauchemin, a Democrat from Hillsborough, in the primary, along with an independent candidate running in the general election. Lily Tang Williams emerged as the victor in a four-way Republican primary, setting her as Goodlander’s opponent.

Her husband, Sullivan, played significant roles in the Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021, early Russia-Ukraine relations, and managing the U.S.-China relationship.

“One of Congress’ most powerful Democrats just survived a progressive primary revolt.” Jake Sullivan, seen during a Quadrilateral Summit with global leaders including President Biden, symbolizes his pivotal role in foreign policy.

Beauchemin criticized Goodlander from a progressive stance for not being effective enough during her term. The district is rural and includes cities like Pittsburg in northern New Hampshire.

With neighboring Rep. Chris Pappas, also a Democrat, aiming for the Senate seat vacated by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the political dynamics in New Hampshire are set to transform by January.

The author was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and has been part of Fox News in both New York and Washington bureaus since 2013.