Democrat Maggie Goodlander, a former senior White House aide married to President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, has announced her candidacy for Congress in New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District. She is the third Democrat to enter the race to succeed U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster, who announced she would not seek another term. Goodlander, who grew up in Nashua and worked in the Justice Department and White House, is running against at least five Republicans for the seat, which includes areas like Concord and Nashua. She highlighted her commitment to combating powerful forces like right-wing judges, extreme politicians, and big corporations in her campaign announcement.
Born on Election Day in 1986, Goodlander shared personal details about her efforts to start a family, including the loss of a baby last year at nearly 20 weeks into her pregnancy. This experience has motivated her to fight for reproductive rights, adding a personal touch to her campaign platform. Goodlander’s mother, Betty Tamposi, who ran for the seat in 1988 in the GOP primary, is featured in her campaign video, showcasing the family’s political history. Goodlander’s husband, Jake Sullivan, will adhere to federal laws prohibiting government employees from using their positions for political purposes as Goodlander pursues her congressional bid.
The White House confirmed Goodlander’s departure as an employee, as she enters the political arena in New Hampshire. Her husband’s commitment to following regulations regarding political engagement while in government service underscores the ethical considerations of their dual roles. In addition to Goodlander, two other Democrats, Colin Van Ostern and state Sen. Becky Whitley, are also running in the Democratic primary. Republican candidates in the race include Lily Tang Williams and Vikram Mansharamani, setting the stage for a competitive election in the 2nd Congressional District in New Hampshire.
With a background in navy intelligence, antitrust law, and constitutional law, Goodlander brings a diverse set of skills and experiences to her congressional campaign. Her tenure in various government positions and her academic background at institutions like the University of New Hampshire and Dartmouth College provide her with a strong foundation for navigating the complexities of policymaking and legislative processes. Goodlander’s decision to return to her home state from Washington reflects her commitment to serving the people of New Hampshire and addressing critical issues facing the district, such as reproductive rights and corporate influence in politics.
The upcoming 2024 election in New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District is shaping up to be a closely watched race, with multiple Democratic and Republican candidates vying for the seat. Goodlander’s entry into the race adds depth to the Democratic field, as she joins established figures like Van Ostern and Whitley in the primary race. The presence of multiple Republican candidates also signals a competitive general election, with issues like reproductive rights, corporate power, and political accountability taking center stage in the campaign discourse. As the race progresses, voters will have the opportunity to assess the candidates’ platforms and determine who will best represent their interests and values in Congress.
