Exclusive: Maura Sullivan raises $400K in first week, endorsed by over 40 influential Granite Staters in campaign for NH’s 1st Congressional District

Democratic candidate for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District Maura Sullivan announced Wednesday she has raised over $400K in her campaign’s first week and is putting out an extensive slate of endorsements from over 40 influential Granite Staters across New Hampshire’s 1st district, the first major flex of strength of her campaign.

“I am honored and humbled to have received the support of so many changemakers from communities across New Hampshire,” Sullivan said in a statement shared exclusively with Granite Post. “This incredible show of trust from so many people across New Hampshire and beyond isn’t just about funding — it’s about the shared belief that we need a new generation of leadership in Washington committed to delivering real results for Granite State families. As a Marine, I learned that mission comes first, and the mission of this campaign is to bring service-oriented leadership to Congress that puts people over politics and delivers for New Hampshire.”

The high-dollar raise is sure to put pressure on other Democrats who may be eyeing the seat, offering an early benchmark of organizational strength it will take to compete in what is sure to be one of the most widely watched congressional races of 2026.

Former State Senator Martha Fuller Clark of Portsmouth, a longtime Democratic leader in New Hampshire and early endorser, praised Sullivan’s early fundraising success.

“Maura Sullivan’s remarkable fundraising success demonstrates what many of us in New Hampshire already know—she is an exceptionally formidable candidate who has earned deep respect across our communities,” said Fuller Clark.

“As someone who has watched Maura’s consistent dedication to Granite State families over the years, I’m not surprised by this outpouring of support… In today’s political climate, holding this critical seat will require significant resources, and Maura’s ability to build this kind of financial foundation speaks volumes about her viability and the enthusiasm behind her candidacy.”

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The list of endorsements come from a wide range of influential and well-known individuals in New Hampshire politics, including current and former state legislators, municipal leaders, veterans, small business owners, and activists.

State Senator David Watters (D-Dover) praised Sullivan’s leadership credentials in a statement, noting her military and public service background. 

“Maura Sullivan has the experience, vision, and determination to be an exceptional representative for our district in Congress. Her background as a Marine and public servant demonstrates her commitment to putting service above self, and I’m proud to support her campaign,” Watters said.

Former State Senate President Donna Soucy also endorsed Sullivan, highlighting her economic agenda. “New Hampshire needs a fighter in Washington who understands the challenges working families are facing. Maura’s commitment to economic opportunity and her proven leadership make her the right choice for our district,” Soucy stated.

Among other prominent endorsers are former State Senator Lou D’Allessandro, former NH House Democratic Leader Peter Hoe Burling, and Portsmouth City Councilor Kate Cook. The list further includes respected grassroots activists such as Carlos Cardona of Laconia, Joan Jacobs of Portsmouth, and KR Epstein of Manchester.

Sullivan’s campaign emphasized that this latest wave of endorsements is part of their ongoing grassroots outreach effort, demonstrating momentum and strong local backing across every region of NH-01.

“I am excited to partner with these dedicated leaders in the coming months to hold this critical seat, ensure accountability in Washington, and bring a new generation of leadership that New Hampshire deserves,” Sullivan said.

The full list of endorsers follows:

• David Watters, State Senator, Dover
• Sue Prentiss, State Senator, West Lebanon
• Lou D’Allessandro, Fmr. State Senator, Manchester
• Martha Fuller Clark, Fmr. State Senator and NHDP Vice Chair Emeritus, Portsmouth
• Peter Hoe Burling, Fmr. NH House Democratic Leader & State Senator, Cornish
• Donna Soucy, Fmr. State Senate President
• Suraj Budathoki, State Representative, Manchester 
• Jaci Grote, State Representative, Greenland and Rye
• Jennifer Mandelbaum, State Representative, Portsmouth and Newington
• Jim O’Connell, Fmr. School Board Member, Manchester
• Bill Barry, Alderman, Manchester
• Bryce Kaw-uh, City Planning Board Chair, Manchester
• Jim Burkush, Alderman, Manchester
• Kate Cook, City Councilor, Portsmouth
• Curtis Register, Retired Marine Major and Town Councilor, Durham
• Burt Cohen, Democratic Town Committee Chair, New Castle
• Maxine Mosley, City Democratic Committee Secretary, Manchester
• Katie Kiernan Marble, City Democratic Committee Vice Chair, Portsmouth
• Catharine Farkas, Belknap County Democrats Secretary, Sanbornton
• Sarah Smith, City Democratic Committee Ward 3 Chair, Portsmouth
• Chris Meier, Fmr. Carroll County Democrats Chair, North Conway
• Bill Marsh, Fmr. Carroll County Democrats Treasurer, Brookfield
• Larry Drake, Fmr. Rockingham County Democrats Chair, Portsmouth
• Shanika Amarakoon, Fmr. City Democratic Committee Chair, Portsmouth
• Laurie McCray, Fmr. City Democratic Committee Chair, Portsmouth
• Daphne Schwab, Fmr. School Board President, New Castle
• Liz Hitchcock, Small Business Owner and Community Leader, Manchester
• Leslie Scuderi, PTA President, Portsmouth
• Carlos Cardona, Grassroots Activist and Community Leader, Laconia
• Joan Jacobs, Grassroots Activist and Community Leader, Portsmouth
• KR Epstein, Grassroots Activist and Community Leader, Manchester
• Peter Rice, Grassroots Activist and Community Leader, New Castle
• Marcella Termini, Grassroots Activist and Community Leader, Manchester
• Sharon Nichols, Grassroots Activist and Community Leader, Portsmouth
• Barbara DeStefano, Grassroots Activist and Community Leader, Portsmouth
• Garry Haworth, Grassroots Roots and Community Leader, Manchester
• Cynthia Watts, Grassroots Activist and Community Leader, Auburn
• Jane Lannon, Grassroots Activist and Community Leader, New Castle
• Benjamin Lannon, Physician and Community Leader, New Castle
• Deborah Linett, Grassroots Activist and Community Leader, Manchester
• Joan Murray, Grassroots Activist and Community Leader, Manchester
• Richard House, Grassroots Activist and Community Leader, Bedford
• Matt McLaughlin, former Navy Pilot and Community Leader, Bedford