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In a strategic move to reclaim a key swing district, a prominent New Hampshire Republican who played a significant role in Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign has officially entered the race for the state’s 1st Congressional District.
Elizabeth Girard, who served as co-chair of Trump’s New Hampshire campaign last year, formally launched her congressional bid on Monday. The district, which Republicans haven’t won in over a decade, has become a prime target as the GOP seeks to expand its narrow House majority in the 2026 midterm elections.
“I’ll work with President Trump and my colleagues to deliver tangible results and ensure our state’s future stays bright for generations to come,” Girard stated in her announcement video that was first shared with Fox News Digital.
The 1st Congressional District, stretching from Manchester east to Portsmouth and north to the White Mountains, represents a critical opportunity for Republicans. Once considered one of the nation’s premier swing districts, it has remained in Democratic hands for five consecutive election cycles, with Rep. Chris Pappas winning the last four contests.
However, with Pappas vacating the seat to run for the U.S. Senate position being left open by retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, Republicans see a prime opportunity to flip the district back to their column.
In her campaign launch, Girard emphasized her commitment to “results-driven, commonsense leadership in Washington” and pledged to “amplify New Hampshire’s voice” on the national stage. Her stated priorities include tackling the rising cost of living and healthcare in New Hampshire, supporting small businesses, and improving care for veterans and seniors.
Girard faces significant competition in a crowded Republican primary field. Other declared candidates include auto dealer and real estate developer Anthony DiLorenzo, former New Hampshire GOP vice chair Hollie Noveletsky (who finished second in the 2024 Republican congressional primary), state Rep. Brian Cole, and Bedford Republican Committee Vice Chair Melissa Bailey.
The Democratic side is equally competitive, with seven candidates vying for their party’s nomination. Notable contenders include former Portsmouth city councilor Stefany Shaheen, daughter of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, and Maura Sullivan, a New Hampshire Democratic Party vice chair who previously competed against Pappas in the 2018 congressional primary. Sullivan’s background includes service as a U.S. Marine veteran and work in the Defense Department during the Obama administration.
Girard, a 2016 University of New Hampshire graduate, brings significant party experience to her campaign. She previously served as president of the New Hampshire Federation of Republican Women (NHFRW) and made an unsuccessful bid for the state’s open Republican National Committeewoman position.
Her early and emphatic support for Trump made headlines in December 2023 when, while still NHFRW chair, she endorsed Trump at a campaign rally. This move broke the organization’s longstanding policy against endorsing candidates in Republican primaries, leading to her resignation from the leadership role before she became a Trump campaign co-chair in New Hampshire.
As Republicans target vulnerable Democratic-held seats across the country, New Hampshire’s 1st District represents a critical battleground in their strategy to strengthen their position in the House. The district’s historical competitiveness, combined with the absence of an incumbent candidate, has positioned it as one of the GOP’s top pickup opportunities in 2026.
The primaries will determine whether Girard can secure the Republican nomination and potentially help break the Democratic winning streak in a district that could play a crucial role in determining House control following the midterm elections.
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11 Comments
It’s interesting to see a Trump ally entering this race, given the district’s history of voting for Democrats in recent cycles. Her campaign will be an important test of the former president’s continued influence within the Republican party.
Girard’s entry into the GOP primary is sure to shake up the race for this competitive House seat. Her Trump connections could be a boon in the primary, but may pose challenges in the general election. It will be interesting to see how her campaign navigates this dynamic.
Securing this swing district will be crucial for the GOP as they aim to expand their House majority. Girard’s close association with Trump may help rally his base, but she’ll also need to appeal to independent and moderate voters to have a shot at flipping the seat.
You make a good point. Striking the right balance between energizing the Trump base and appealing to the broader electorate will be key for Girard’s campaign.
The race for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District is shaping up to be a closely watched battle. Girard’s close ties to Trump could be a double-edged sword, energizing his base but potentially alienating independents and moderates. It will be fascinating to see how this plays out.
Girard’s decision to enter the race adds an intriguing wrinkle to the GOP’s efforts to reclaim this swing district. Her Trump association could galvanize the party’s base, but may also raise concerns among independent and moderate voters. It will be fascinating to see how her campaign navigates this delicate balance.
This primary will be one to watch. Girard’s Trump connections could mobilize his base, but the district’s moderate leanings may also require a more centrist approach. It will be interesting to see how she navigates this balancing act.
Agreed. Striking the right balance will be critical for Girard’s campaign. The outcome could provide valuable insights into the political landscape heading into the 2026 midterms.
This is an interesting development in the GOP primary for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District. Elizabeth Girard’s ties to Trump could give her an advantage, but the district has leaned Democratic in recent elections. It will be worth watching how this race unfolds.
The 1st Congressional District of New Hampshire has been a battleground for years. Girard’s entry into the race adds another layer of intrigue as the GOP seeks to regain control of this crucial swing seat.
This is a significant development in the battle for control of the House. The 1st District of New Hampshire is a prime pickup opportunity for the GOP, and Girard’s Trump ties could give her an edge in the primary. However, the district’s moderate leanings may require a nuanced approach to succeed in the general election.