NH voter’s guide: Meet the congressional race candidates

The 2024 race for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District is shaping up to be a significant contest, especially as the district has been a key battleground in recent years. The race features incumbent Democrat Chris Pappas, who is seeking re-election for a fourth term, and a range of Republican challengers aiming to flip the district.

The general election race is rated as “Lean Democratic” by most analysts, indicating that while Pappas has a significant edge, the district remains competitive, especially in a year where national dynamics could play a significant role​.

The primary elections will take place on September 10, 2024, setting the stage for what is likely to be a closely watched general election in November.

Democratic primary—Sept. 10 

Chris Pappas is the Democratic candidate in the race, having served as the U.S. Representative for the 1st District since 2019. Pappas has built his campaign around defending access to abortion, supporting prescription drug pricing reforms for seniors, supporting New Hampshire’s Veterans, and countering Republican claims about fraud in the 2020 election. He has received endorsements from several influential organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and the League of Conservation Voters. Pappas has also been a strong fundraiser, with a significant war chest as he heads into the general election.

Republican primary—Sept. 10

On the Republican side, the primary is highly competitive with no meaningful frontrunner:

Russell Prescott: A veteran conservative politician, Prescott has served as both a state senator and executive councilor in New Hampshire. He is a perennial candidate for the seat, having run in 2022 and losing badly in the primary.

Hollie Noveletsky: A conservative business executive with a background in manufacturing, Noveletsky is running on her private sector experience, highlighting her ability to bring practical economic solutions to Washington. 

Christian Bright: A candidate with a strong appeal to the conservative base, Bright is focusing on key issues such as limited government and traditional values, although less prominent than some of the other candidates.

Jake Frazier: While Jake Frazier is also in the race, his campaign has not gained significant visibility, partly due to limited fundraising. His platform and public profile are less developed, making it a challenge for him to stand out in the crowded field.

Gail Huff Brown: A former journalist and the wife of former U.S. Senator Scott Brown, Gail Huff Brown is leveraging her media experience and political connections in her campaign. She is also a regular candidate for the seat, having lost in the 2022 primary by a significant margin.

Timothy Baxter: Known for his strong conservative stance, Baxter is a former state representative who champions limited government, lower taxes, and Second Amendment rights. His campaign will likely resonate with the district’s more Libertarian-leaning voters.

Joe Kelly Levasseur: A controversial figure in Manchester politics, Levasseur is an alderman and local businessman known for his outspoken and often combative style. He is aligning himself closely with Donald Trump, using the campaign slogan “Trump or Bust.”