Democrat Maggie Goodlander, who previously worked at the Justice Department (DOJ) during the Biden administration, has declared her candidacy for Congress in New Hampshire.
“I’m excited to say that I’m running for Congress in New Hampshire’s 2nd District,” she stated in her announcement to run for office. “I’ve worked in all three branches of the government and I understand how to deliver for New Hampshire. I’ll be dedicated to serving the people of the Second District and will always fight for a freer and fairer Granite State.”
Goodlander, who is wed to White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, served in the DOJ as deputy assistant attorney general overseeing the antitrust division until September 2022. She also previously worked as a senior adviser to former Senators Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.), particularly working across party lines.
The former Biden administration official is competing to succeed Rep. Annie Kuster (D), who announced her retirement earlier this year , leaving one of New Hampshire’s two House seats open.
Kuster, however, has already given her support to former state Executive Councilor Colin Van Ostern as her replacement. Goodlander’s decision to enter the race sets up a primary competition.
Both of New Hampshire’s senators and both of its House lawmakers are currently Democrats.
President Biden did not feature on the Granite State’s Democratic primary ballot earlier this year after disputes over the party’s nominating calendar, but he still emerged victorious as a write-in candidate.
Biden also holds a 4-point advantage over former President Trump in a potential general election in the state, based on polling averages from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ.
