In N.H., state senator mulls congressional bid
Whitley says she’s exploring bid for Annie Kuster’s seat
A state senator is dipping her toe into the Democratic race for New Hampshire’s Second Congressional District, where one Democrat has already launched his campaign and others are expected after six-term Representative Annie M. Kuster said she won’t seek reelection.
Senator Becky Whitley of Hopkinton, who was widely rumored to be interested in succeeding Kuster, announced Wednesday that she has formed an exploratory committee.
“Our state has a proud tradition of sending strong women to Congress to fight on the front lines for our democracy’s future and for our fundamental freedoms,” she said.
Whitley said she has been a champion for women, children, and working families through her work as a state senator, lawyer, community advocate, and mom. She said she is “a proven and effective leader” who would fight in Congress for reproductive rights, democracy, and lower costs for families.
Whitley, who is serving in her second two-year term in the New Hampshire Senate, is the chamber’s assistant Democratic leader.
Her announcement comes one week after Kuster set off a flurry of speculation about how a wide-open contest in the Democratic-leaning district could play out. Colin Van Ostern, a former gubernatorial nominee who once served as Kuster’s campaign manager, wasted no time declaring his candidacy, and other Democrats — including Maggie Goodlander, an aide to President Biden who was born and raised in the New Hampshire district — are said to be seriously considering the race as well.
On the Republican side, a few candidates have stepped forward as well, while others mull their options.
Former Hillsborough County Treasurer Robert A. Burns of Bedford, who won the GOP nomination in 2022 then lost to Kuster, told the Globe he will “very likely” run again this year. His top GOP rival in 2022, former Keene Mayor George S. Hansel, is said to be considering whether to run.
The other GOP candidates already in the race include Lily Tang Williams of Weare, who finished third in the 2022 primary.