In New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District, voters are facing a contentious and expensive Democratic primary to replace retiring Rep. Annie Kuster. Former Executive Councilor Colin van Ostern and former Deputy Assistant Attorney General Maggie Goodlander are competing for the nomination. Goodlander, with support from EMILY’s List and Hillary Clinton, has surged despite starting her campaign later. Tensions have risen, with high-profile endorsements shifting and attacks focused on reproductive rights.
Both candidates have criticized each other for past work with Republicans, including on abortion rights. Goodlander has highlighted her personal experience with reproductive health care in campaign ads. The race has become unusually expensive, with over $3.5 million spent on campaign ads and outside groups supporting Goodlander, including veterans group Vote Vets.
Van Ostern has criticized Goodlander’s funding from out-of-state groups, while she defends the support as vital for electing more pro-choice women to Congress. The race’s heightened rhetoric led to former Governor John Lynch switching his endorsement from Van Ostern to Goodlander, citing the negativity in the campaign. The primary in this “likely Democratic” district remains a key race to watch as voters prepare to choose a new member of Congress after 12 years. Controversies around reproductive rights, past political affiliations, and campaign funding have dominated the Democratic primary debate in this crucial election.
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