In New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District, voters will select a new member of Congress for the first time in 12 years. This change has led to a heated and expensive Democratic primary between Colin van Ostern, a former Executive Councilor, and Maggie Goodlander, a former Justice Department official.
The two are vying to replace Rep. Annie Kuster, who is retiring after six terms. Van Ostern entered the race early, quickly securing Kuster’s endorsement, but his path was complicated when Goodlander launched her campaign in May, gaining significant momentum and endorsements.
Goodlander, who has worked in Washington and is married to White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, has garnered support from high-profile figures like EMILY’s List and Hillary Clinton. This surge has led to heightened competition, with former New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch even switching his support from Van Ostern to Goodlander. Despite this, Van Ostern still holds endorsements from several prominent New Hampshire Democrats, including former state officials and party leaders.
Democratic Primary in New Hampshire Heats Up as Van Ostern and Goodlander Battle for Kuster’s Seat
Reproductive rights have emerged as a central issue in the campaign, with both candidates emphasizing their commitment to protecting access to healthcare and abortion.
Van Ostern touts his work with Planned Parenthood during his time on the New Hampshire Executive Council, while Goodlander points to her legal background, including clerking for Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, and her personal experience with reproductive health challenges. Both candidates have accused each other of insufficient commitment to reproductive freedom.
The race has also been marked by attacks over past political affiliations. Van Ostern criticized Goodlander for her previous work for Republican Sen. John McCain and her donations to GOP candidates. In response, Goodlander defended her record and accused Van Ostern of working for an anti-choice congressman early in his career. The personal nature of these attacks has intensified the rivalry between the two, making the race increasingly contentious.
Outside money has played a significant role in the campaign, with more than $3.5 million spent on digital, radio, and TV ads. Van Ostern criticized Goodlander for benefiting from super PACs and out-of-state donors, while Goodlander argued that the support she received came from pro-choice and veteran groups. The infusion of outside money has become a major issue in the race, with both candidates seeking to position themselves as the candidate of integrity.
