New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District election (September 11, 2018 Democratic primary)

Elections in New Hampshire, 2018

• General election: Nov. 6
• Voter registration deadline: Oct. 23
• Early voting: N/A
• Absentee voting deadline: Varies by locality

• Online registration: No
• Same-day registration: Yes
• Voter ID: Photo ID required
• Poll times: In general, polling places open between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time

---

On the ballot: U.S. House • Governor • State executive offices • State Senate • State House • Special state legislative • State ballot measures • Democratic primaries • Republican primaries

2020 → ← 2016
New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District
Democratic primary Republican primary General election
Election details
Filing deadline: June 15, 2018
Primary: September 11, 2018 General: November 6, 2018 Pre-election incumbent: Carol Shea-Porter (Democrat)
How to vote
Poll times: Varies by municipality Voting in New Hampshire
Race ratings
Cook Partisan Voter Index (2018): R+2 Cook Political Report: Likely Democratic Inside Elections: Lean Democratic Sabato's Crystal Ball: Likely Democratic
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2018
See also
New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District 1st • 2nd New Hampshire elections, 2018 U.S. Congress elections, 2018 U.S. Senate elections, 2018 U.S. House elections, 2018 Alabama U.S. House racesAlaska U.S. House racesArizona U.S. House racesArkansas U.S. House racesCalifornia U.S. House racesColorado U.S. House racesConnecticut U.S. House racesDelaware U.S. House racesFlorida U.S. House racesGeorgia U.S. House racesHawaii U.S. House racesIdaho U.S. House racesIllinois U.S. House racesIndiana U.S. House racesIowa U.S. House racesKansas U.S. House racesKentucky U.S. House racesLouisiana U.S. House racesMaine U.S. House racesMaryland U.S. House racesMassachusetts U.S. House racesMichigan U.S. House racesMinnesota U.S. House racesMississippi U.S. House racesMissouri U.S. House racesMontana U.S. House racesNebraska U.S. House racesNevada U.S. House racesNew Hampshire U.S. House racesNew Jersey U.S. House racesNew Mexico U.S. House racesNew York U.S. House racesNorth Carolina U.S. House racesNorth Dakota U.S. House racesOhio U.S. House racesOklahoma U.S. House racesOregon U.S. House racesPennsylvania U.S. House racesRhode Island U.S. House racesSouth Carolina U.S. House racesSouth Dakota U.S. House racesTennessee U.S. House racesTexas U.S. House racesUtah U.S. House racesVermont U.S. House racesVirginia U.S. House racesWashington U.S. House racesWest Virginia U.S. House racesWisconsin U.S. House racesWyoming U.S. House racesSubmit

Executive Councilor Chris Pappas won the Democratic primary for New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District against 10 other candidates on September 11. Pappas received 42 percent of the vote. Former Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs Maura Sullivan was second with 30 percent.

Following the retirement of Carol Shea-Porter (D), the Democratic Party nominated a new candidate for the first time since 2006 for New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District general election. The district changed party hands five times between 2006 and 2016, alternating between Shea-Porter and Republican Frank Guinta. The general election was expected to be competitive, and the seat was targeted by both parties following Shea-Porter's retirement.

A total of 11 candidates filed to run. Campaign finance and healthcare policy emerged as prominent issues in the race.

Sullivan was the fundraising leader, reporting $1.8 million in contributions through August 22 and $810,319 in cash on hand. Sullivan was endorsed by EMILY's List, VoteVets, and With Honor Fund.

Pappas was second in fundraising through August 22, with $823,674 raised and $348,453 in cash on hand. He was backed by the National Education Association-New Hampshire in March; the move was called a key endorsement in the race by local news source WMUR. He also had support from U.S. Sens. Maggie Hassan (D) and Jeanne Shaheen (D).

State Rep. Mindi Messmer was backed by Brand New Congress and the New Hampshire House Progressive Caucus, as well as two Republican state representatives. She raised a total of $87,114 through August 22.

Naomi Andrews, Shea-Porter’s former chief of staff, received the incumbent’s endorsement. Andrews was about even with Messmer in fundraising.

Pappas and Sullivan faced criticism from some challengers, including Messmer and Andrews, regarding the sources and the size of their campaign contributions. Pappas said he would not accept corporate PAC money and emphasized that 70 percent of his contributions came from within the state, distinguishing himself from Sullivan, almost all of whose individual contributions came from those outside New Hampshire. Sullivan responded to such criticism by saying that many of her supporters were gained through her service in the Marines and the Obama administration. Messmer and Andrews pledged not to accept money from certain groups, such as lobbyists or corporate PACs.

Sullivan also faced criticism from her challengers for not living in New Hampshire until 2017, to which she responded that she spent a lot of time in the state throughout her life.

Candidates diverged on healthcare policy. Those who supported an option to buy into Medicare—including Andrews, Pappas, and Sullivan—argued that the priority was to prevent the repeal of the Affordable Care Act and to expand on it. Candidates like Messmer who supported a single-payer system (such as Medicare for all) argued that a Medicare buy-in option would not go far enough.

The other candidates in the race were Paul Cardinal, state Rep. Mark S. Mackenzie, William Martin, Deaglan McEachern, Terence O'Rourke, Levi Sanders, and Lincoln Soldati.

Five candidates ran in the Republican primary.

Election results

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House New Hampshire District 1 on September 11, 2018.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House New Hampshire District 1

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Chris Pappas	42.2	26,875
		Maura Sullivan	30.4	19,313
		Mindi Messmer	9.7	6,142
		Naomi Andrews	7.1	4,508
		Lincoln Soldati	3.1	1,982
		Deaglan McEachern	2.7	1,709
		Levi Sanders	1.8	1,141
		Mark S. Mackenzie	1.2	746
	Submit photo	Terence O'Rourke	1.0	656
		Paul Cardinal	0.5	317
	Submit photo	William Martin	0.4	230

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 63,619
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Candidates

Top Candidates

The candidates below were selected based on campaign financing, media mentions, and/or endorsements. They are listed in alphabetical order.

Naomi Andrews

Andrews served as either Carol Shea-Porter's chief of staff or her campaign manager for more than 10 years, and she was endorsed by the outgoing incumbent. She has a B.A. in international studies and a J.D.

Andrews emphasized her experience working in the 1st District and said that her work alongside Shea-Porter established her record of supporting veterans, families, and small businesses, among others. She named campaign finance reform as her top campaign issue. Her campaign site stated that she "will never accept corporate PAC or DC lobbyist money."

Her other policy priorities included a $15 minimum wage, allowing people to buy into Medicare, and reducing student loan interest rates.

Mindi Messmer

Messmer was elected to the state House of Representatives in 2016. She has a background in geology and environmental science. She earned an M.S. in clinical and translational science in May 2018.

Messmer touted her role in notifying state health officials about a higher-than-normal rate of childhood cancer in one area of New Hampshire in 2014 and her membership on the Task Force on the Seacoast Cancer Cluster, created by Gov. Maggie Hassan (D) in 2016.

Messmer emphasized her background as a scientist, saying she was not a typical politician. She pointed to her role in the state House getting bills passed related to clean drinking water and cancer prevention. In addition to environmental policy, her priorities included single-payer healthcare and a $15 minimum wage. She also supported campaign finance reform, saying on her campaign site, "I am not accepting money from any PACs or special interest groups." She was backed by the New Hampshire House Progressive Caucus and both Democratic and Republican members of the state legislature.

Chris Pappas

Pappas became a member of the New Hampshire Executive Council representing District 4 in 2013. At the time of the election, he was also the co-owner of his family's restaurant. Prior to serving on the Executive Council, Pappas was a two-term state representative and two-term treasurer of Hillsborough County. He obtained a B.A. in government.

Pappas emphasized his role on the Executive Council in expanding Medicaid in New Hampshire, voting to maintain funding for Planned Parenthood, and making insurance coverage available for substance abuse treatment.

Allowing people to buy into Medicare, opposing restrictions on abortion, and tuition-free public college were among his policy priorities. He also said he supported a $12 an hour minimum wage. Pappas pledged not to accept corporate PAC money. His endorsers included Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the state chapter of the National Education Association, and U.S. Sens. Maggie Hassan (D) and Jeanne Shaheen (D).

Maura Sullivan

Sullivan touted her background as a former Marine captain and as assistant secretary of Veterans Affairs under Pres. Barack Obama, saying her experience would enable her "to take on Donald Trump when he irresponsibly threatens our national security," according to her campaign site.

She also served as assistant to the secretary of defense and as senior advisor to the secretary of the Navy. She obtained a B.A. in economics and history, an M.B.A., and an M.P.A.

Sullivan supported allowing people to buy into Medicare, guaranteed paid family leave, and a $15 minimum wage, among other policy priorities. She was endorsed by VoteVets, With Honor, EMILY's List, and former Health and Human Services Sec. Kathleen Sebelius (D).

List of all candidates

See also: Statistics on U.S. Congress candidates, 2018

 Democratic primary candidates

• Naomi Andrews
• Paul Cardinal 
• Mark S. Mackenzie
• William Martin
• Deaglan McEachern
• Mindi Messmer
• Terence O'Rourke
• Chris Pappas ✔
• Levi Sanders
• Lincoln Soldati
• Maura Sullivan

---

= candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey

Endorsements

Know of an endorsement? Email us at editor@ballotpedia.org.

Democratic candidate endorsements
Endorsement	Andrews	Pappas	Sullivan	Messmer
National figures
Former Health and Human Services Sec. Kathleen Sebelius			✔
Former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy				✔
Federal officials
Sen. Maggie Hassan (D)		✔
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D)		✔
Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D)	✔
Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.)	✔
Rep. Annie Kuster		✔
Rep. Seth Moulton (D)			✔
State figures
Former Gov. John Lynch (D)		✔
New Hampshire House Progressive Caucus				✔
State Rep. Donna Ellis				✔
State Rep. Jim McConnell (R)				✔
State Rep. Phil Bean (R)				✔
State Rep. Mike Edgar (D)				✔
State Sen. David Watters (D)		✔
State Sen. Donna Soucy (D)		✔
State Sen. Kevin Cavanaugh (D)		✔
State Sen. Lou D’Allesandro (D)		✔
Former NH House Speaker Terie Norelli		✔
Local figures
Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig		✔
The Conway Daily Sun		✔
Organizations
Seacoast Huddle				✔
EMILY's List			✔
Serve America			✔
New Politics			✔
With Honor Fund			✔
Brand New Congress				✔
Women for Justice				✔
Victory Fund		✔
Unions
American Federation of Teachers-New Hampshire		✔
National Education Association-New Hampshire		✔
Teamsters Local 633		✔
PACs
Giffords PAC		✔
Women Under Forty PAC			✔
VoteVets			✔
End Citizens United PAC		✔
Planned Parenthood Action Fund		✔

Campaign themes and policy stances

Naomi Andrews

The following was found on the candidate's 2018 campaign website.

“	Economic Security and Dignity Economic inequality in America has been growing since the 1970s, and 2017’s Tax Reform legislation will only contribute to the problem. An independent analysis found that the bottom 80 percent of taxpayers by income receive just 35% of the legislation’s benefits in 2018 and will receive none at all by 2027! It further estimates that nearly three quarters of all taxpayers will be adversely impacted starting next year. Naomi supports an increase in the minimum wage to $15/hour, raised in stages. A higher minimum wage means a stronger economy, as 89% of those who would benefit from an increase are age 20 or older, and most are women. Raising the minimum wage helps working families make ends meet, and it drives economic growth for local businesses. No one who works full-time should have to live in poverty. Naomi will always advocate for a robust social safety net, including through the Supplementation Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly referred to as “food stamps”), Social Security, fuel subsidies, and other benefits. She will never support the type of work requirements passed by the House’s version of the Farm Bill this year because we know that the overwhelming majority of beneficiaries who can work already do. Those who do not are young children, elderly, or disabled, and need help. With average benefits at just $1.40 per meal, SNAP support is already insufficient, and many beneficiaries run out of food purchased through the program in the second or third week of the month. This is unacceptable. All Americans should have the opportunity to advance economically, to contribute their talents to our great country. Struggling members of our society and the homeless should always occupy a prominent place in our priorities and deserve a government that connects them with stable housing and employment opportunities, along with physical and mental health services. As FDR said in 1939, “In our personal ambitions we are individualists. But in our seeking for economic and political progress as a nation, we all go up, or else all go down, as one people.” We can’t leave our fellow Americans behind. Women’s Health Care and Economic Security Naomi knows that the protection and improvement of women’s rights require women to be politically engaged. Women need to seek political office, work on women’s political campaigns, or work in public service to advance women’s equality. As the saying goes, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” Naomi is proud of her long record of advocacy for women as Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter’s Chief of Staff. Naomi is a strong advocate of women’s health care and reproductive rights (“pro-choice”). These rights fall under the umbrella of the general right to privacy, along with other medical and end-of-life decisions. All people have the right to make their own decisions about their health care, without government intrusion or interference. In the 111th Congress (2009-2010), Naomi and the office team worked on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) with Congresswoman Shea-Porter. The ACA’s provisions to protect women’s rights include: The ten Essential Health Benefits that all health plans must cover: ambulatory services, emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance abuse services, prescription drugs, rehabilitative services, laboratory services, preventive and wellness services, and pediatric care Women’s preventive health services with no deductible or cost-sharing—including well-woman visits, mammograms, provision of contraceptives, HIV testing, and cancer screenings Expanded access to Medicaid, for which 2/3 of beneficiaries are women, and eligibility of Medicaid recipients for 60 days of care after the birth of a baby Elimination of insurance companies’ ability to define pregnancy as a preexisting condition, or to charge women more than men (gender rating of premiums) Blocking efforts to restrict access to family planning services (Title X) and defund Planned Parenthood or to implement broad “conscience” exceptions that would allow health care providers to refuse otherwise legal services. Naomi is committed to prioritizing women’s economic security as much as we prioritize our rights to health care. A woman earns only 78 cents for every $1 of a man’s wages. This is unacceptable. Passing legislation that mandates equal pay for equal work is a crucial step to treat women and the families they support fairly. Cybersecurity Criminals and foreign enemies understand that attacking us online is easier than attacking us in person. Because we increasingly store vital and valuable information digitally, these cyber attacks have grown in consequence, resulting in identity theft, intellectual property theft from US businesses (causing severe financial losses), and defrauding of individuals. We have already seen how Russia’s cyber information warfare was used to influence our 2016 federal election, and thus attack our democratic process. Given the success of that influence operation, we should be hardening our election systems against hacking and going low-tech to paper ballots, which cannot be hacked. These cyber attacks also present a dangerous national security threat if state-level attackers get into systems that run our critical infrastructure (e.g., electric grid, energy sector, transportation), our space architecture (satellites controlling communication and GPS), or our military defense systems. We need to take steps to harden these systems by increasing resilience and redundancy, or by developing alternatives that have inherent resilience. Improving the Economy It is important to make sure that we have policies that allow large and small businesses to compete in the domestic and global economy. We need to renew our public infrastructure, which will provide millions of jobs and make our businesses more competitive and efficient, and we can establish an infrastructure bank to help finance it. It's time to raise the minimum wage in increments to a livable wage, to give low-income workers more money to spend, which will then stimulate the local economy. The Democratic Congress raised the minimum wage in 2007, when they controlled the House, and it's time to act again. We can raise the minimum wage in increments, to help business adjust, and as always, exempt farmers and small family businesses. This is a responsible approach that provides businesses with the time to plan and adjust. We have to do this--it is simply impossible to live on $7.25/hour. Also, higher education must be affordable so people are able to prepare themselves to work and earn in the new economy without drowning themselves and their families in debt. We need to strive for energy independence, and encourage the development of green energy, with all the new jobs the new technology will support. Finally, we have to fix our tax code. Our system punishes the middle class and small businesses, and gives unfair tax advantages to the wealthiest corporations and individuals. Gun Violence Prevention The students of Parkland, Florida have been a true inspiration. For too long, the NRA and its allies have dominated Washington politics - peddling their influence through threats of primary challengers for those who do not remain “pure” by opposing every single common-sense effort to reduce gun violence in America. In the Granite State, we have a culture of responsible gun ownership. I grew up in Epping and for some of my friends’ families, venison was an important staple to get them through the winter. But there are many steps Congress can take to help reduce the amount of gun violence in our country. No one law will stop all of the violence, but Congress has a moral obligation to take what steps it can in order to lessen the bloodshed. Inaction is unconscionable and the current lack of positive action must not be allowed to continue. In Congress, I will fight to implement those common-sense proposals. I commit to joining the Gun Violence Taskforce on day one. All gun purchases, except for gifts between immediate family members, should require a background check. We must stop the gun show loophole. Additionally, the national background check system should be strengthened, and include all relevant information from those who report to it. Right now it’s like saying only 1 in 4 people need to go through TSA at an airport. Lastly, law enforcement most have the ability to take firearms away from those who have shown they might be a danger to themselves and others. It is frightening and appalling that our schools have become targets. The best way to create safe schools is through prevention. In many cases, the children or teens who feel the need to bring guns to school are themselves the victims of bullying, harassment, and discrimination, or have mental health issues. If schools worked to shut down hateful behavior or gave students the mental health support they need, that could help prevent violence. There should also be an organized effort to get reports from teachers or students who notice students who threaten violence to others, or are obsessed by guns and shootings. This on-the-ground effort can actually be more effective than an FBI tipline. Students expelled from school for bringing guns to school or making threats should get the help they clearly need, and not just be left to plot revenge. Schools also need to make their exterior walls, doors, and windows more difficult for a shooter to break through. As I stated above, we cannot fix this problem with legislation alone. But these proposals, along with the grit and determination showed by students around the country, will make a world of difference. National Security In Congress, Naomi will protect our country by making sure we always have the resources to defend our nation and honor our commitments. She will also support policies that seek to promote understanding and cooperation and conflict resolution. She believes foreign aid, diplomacy, and soft power are essential tools, and will support fully staffing and funding the State Department and its diplomatic efforts around the world. Defense Secretary James Mattis, while commander of US Central Command, was right when he remarked in 2013: “If you don't fully fund the State Department, then I need to buy more ammunition.” Global Security To make our way safely and effectively in the current challenging threat environment, Naomi believes that we have to acknowledge that, while terrorism remains a serious threat, we have re-entered a world with hostile peer competitors like Russia and China, and we must be vigilant and prepared. What does this threat environment look like? International security experts say that the threat environment today is complex, interconnected, and volatile. Russia has become a malign international actor that invaded Ukraine, annexed part of its territory (Crimea), and is trying to destabilize Ukraine militarily. It is attacking all the western democracies, trying to incite instability and to break up the NATO alliance and the European Union. China is the greater long-term strategic threat, and it basically claims the entire South China Sea, an essential sea lane, as its own, despite neighboring countries’ counter-claims and the fact that the UN Commission on the Law of the Sea found China’s claims invalid. China has no use for the rule-based international order that has been keeping us from world war since 1945. China's ultimate objective is to replace us as the dominant power first in the Asia-Pacific region and then the world. North Korea continues to be a wild card, with its unstable, unpredictable leader, nuclear arsenal, and long-range missiles. Now that President Trump has pulled the US out of the Iran deal, Iran could restart its nuclear program at any time. According to the Defense Department, climate change is also a national security threat and “may act as an accelerant of instability or conflict, placing a burden to respond on civilian institutions and militaries around the world” (2010 Quadrennial Defense Review). Naomi is committed to our system of alliances and other global organizations and treaties, and our continuing leadership role in world affairs. US withdrawal and isolationism in the 1920s did not protect us from WWII, and that devastating war taught us the lesson that we must stay globally engaged to prevent conflicts and use diplomacy to defuse crises. The international structure of the UN, NATO, and other alliances that the US established after WWII has prevented another world war. It is more important than ever to preserve this rule-based international order to keep the peace. Finally, we need to sign and adhere to the Paris agreement on climate change and become a leader on fighting climate change, which is a different kind of national security threat. US/Russia Relations Naomi favors tough sanctions against Russia, for deterrence. Our intelligence community found that Russia directed a cyber attack against the 2016 US election. When Russia interfered in our election, the basis of our republic, they crossed a line. It has taken time and many deliberate Russian provocations to get where we are—where US-Russia relations have degraded to the point that they are as bad as during the Cold War. Naomi believes we must hold Russia accountable for its malign actions and cyber/information warfare in Europe—e.g., its 2014 attack on Ukraine, which stole Crimea, and continuing support for violent insurgency in Ukraine, its threatening military maneuvers and posture, its support for a murderous dictator in Syria, which increases destabilizing refugee flows into Europe, and its efforts to promote fascist political parties in European nations and to sow dissension within NATO and the European Union. She supports the new, more far-reaching sanctions that will be imposed on Russia on Aug 22, triggered by treaty obligations in response to Russia’s use of chemical weapons in the attempted poisoning of a British resident and his daughter in the UK. She opposes President Trump's signing statement issued for the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act, in which he refuses to carry out the provision that bans him from recognizing Russia’s sovereignty over Crimea. Opioid/Drug Crisis Substance abuse has been a problem for a long time. New Hampshire has really come together to fight this scourge, but more must be done. Naomi believes that we need to approach it by: supporting prevention efforts in health care settings, schools and workplaces; increasing funding for both inpatient and outpatient long-term treatment and recovery programs for those who are suffering; properly funding and supporting law enforcement so they can catch drug dealers and disrupt their trafficking networks; improving monitoring of prescriptions for opioids and other drugs. She also supports suing pharmaceutical companies if they failed to inform and educate medical professionals and patients about the high risk of addiction, even if the drug was taken for a short period of time. Environment Naomi has always been passionate about protecting our environment and fighting climate change. She loves the outdoors. She camps, skis, swims, runs marathons, and has climbed all 48 4,000-ft mountains in New Hampshire, always inspired by the beauty of nature. But she knows that sea levels are rising, the planet is warming, pollinators are in trouble, and so are we. In Congress, Naomi will fight for sane environmental policies that will support renewable energy and provide greater oversight so Americans have safe water, clean air, and fewer pesticides in our food and our environment. She will fight to protect endangered species and to punish polluters. She believes we must work together to produce clean, alternative and renewable energy to fight climate change. She is calling for an Apollo-type program for energy independence to hasten our progress toward that goal. Health Care, Medicare, Social Security Health Care: Naomi believes that health care costs are out of control, and she supports allowing people of any age to buy into Medicare. The government is already heavily involved in health care—and has been for more than half a century. Government safety net programs insure seniors through Medicare, veterans through the VA and TRICARE, our military and their families though the Defense Health Program, low-income children through the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and low-income families through Medicaid. She supports robust investment in medical research and disease prevention. She also favors continuing to block private insurers from refusing to cover people with pre-existing conditions or imposing lifetime or annual caps on coverage. She also knows that our seniors paid for and earned their Medicare and Social Security benefits, and she will fight to preserve and strengthen these successful programs. Medicare: The first step would be to save money by efficiencies in Medicare Part D, the prescription drug benefit. If Medicare could negotiate the price of prescription drugs – as do other agencies such as the VA – it would save billions over the next ten years. But a Republican Congress actually passed a law prohibiting Medicare from negotiating the prices to save taxpayers money. Naomi will support legislation to change this. She also thinks it's necessary to step up oversight as well, and wants to increase the number of auditors and improve technology to crack down on waste, fraud, and abuse. In addition, the long-term viability of the program depends on containing the rise in health care costs. The ACA significantly slowed that rise. Unfortunately, the actions taken by the Trump Administration and Congress have worsened the outlook for the trust fund. Social Security: It is unfair for the wealthy to pay only on the first $128,400 of their income, while most Americans, who make far less, pay on their entire income. This also hurts the financial stability of Social Security. Therefore, the cap of $128,400 must be eliminated to secure this earned benefit for future generations. This is a simple and fair fix. Education Education has been the driver of progress in America. Families know that a good education is essential for most good jobs, but they are finding it harder than ever to pay the high costs of college or technical school. Naomi still has big school loans herself, so she understands the pressure working families are facing as they try to pay for education. Naomi supports debt-free education for college students. We have a responsibility to ensure that our students can attend school without being left with mountains of debt. She wants to reduce the interest rates for school loans, allow families to deduct the interest, and provide more money for grants and loans, as well as protecting loan forgiveness for public service. These steps will help families earn higher wages, which will help grow our economy. She also supports reinvigorating work-study programs and encouraging states to fund public universities more generously. After all, we all have a stake in our nation's future. These steps will help families earn higher wages, which will help grow our economy. Veterans Veterans certainly deserve to be thanked for their service. But we need to do more than that. We also owe them the benefits they have earned. Veterans have spent significant time away from their families and friends. They have missed the everyday routine of their workplaces and their communities, and special events such as births and funerals, weddings and graduations. They have missed the comforts of home and the support of loved ones. Too often, veterans face further difficulties when they return home. Some battle Post-Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury, or other challenges, such as exposure to toxic chemicals. They deserve their benefits and the best medical care. New Hampshire’s veterans live in the only state without a full-service hospital or access to similar services at a military facility. That is why Naomi will re-introduce Carol Shea-Porter’s legislation, the Veterans Health Equity Act, to require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to restore the VA Medical Center in Manchester, New Hampshire to a full-service VA hospital, or provide our veterans with comparable in-state care through local health care providers. Naomi will continue to fight for equal care for New Hampshire’s veterans. Democracy At the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin is said to have responded to a question about the form of our new government by answering: “A Republic, if you can keep it.” What was true then, remains true today: the principles and institutions of our democratic republic must not be taken for granted, and we – the American people – are responsible for their preservation. New Hampshire's Granny D, who marched across the country for campaign finance reform, often told us that, “Democracy isn’t something we have, it’s something we do.” And while this is a responsibility we all share, our elected officials have a special obligation to be good stewards of our democratic norms and institutions. The freedom of the press, the rule of law, and the separation of powers are all fundamental to our democracy. These are not partisan principles, they are American values. Even in times of political polarization, we should be able to unite around these common values. Yet, we have seen increasing attempts by some in power to undermine our free press by deriding them as “fake news” or “enemies of the people”; to undermine the judiciary and disregard ethics and anti-corruption standards; and to disregard the oversight role of the Executive branch by the Legislative branch, such as Congress relinquishing its responsibility to authorize the war. These are in direct conflict with the very principles that underpin our democracy. Naomi knows that public office is a public trust, and she strongly believes in respect; respect for each other and respect for our institutions. “Keeping the republic” relies on respect and civility and vigorous participation in our democracy. She will work to protect everyone's right to vote.	”
—Naomi Andrews' campaign website (2018)

Mindi Messmer

The following was found on the candidate's 2018 campaign website.

“	HEALTHCARE Access to affordable and quality healthcare is a basic human right, and nobody should have to go bankrupt because of an illness or injury. For this reason, I fully support a single-payer healthcare system. Not only will universal healthcare save lives, but it will save money too. ENVIRONMENT As an environmental scientist for over thirty years, I know how protecting our environment is integral to public health. Climate change and drinking water contamination are the two top threats to national security according to the Department of Defense. We must combat climate change by getting off of fossil fuels and protect our drinking water. ECONOMIC JUSTICE Currently, 1% of the population controls more wealth than the bottom 90% of the population, and the rest of us are struggling to get by. To solve economic inequality in our country, we need at least a $15 minimum wage, paid family and medical leave, and a tax code that works for the 99% of us – not just the corporations. IMMIGRATION Ripping children from their parents at the border is an outrage. The United States is a nation built on immigrants, not racism. With increasing numbers of refugees due to climate change and conflicts, we must re-implement the Family Case Management program for asylum-seekers, have a clear path to citizenship, and protect the decades-old Flores Settlement. EDUCATION It is crucial that we invest in the future by providing our children with the education they need to succeed. For this reason, we must assure quality schooling from pre-Kindergarten through high school. Furthermore, we must stop saddling our children with unbearable student loan debt, and make public university tuition-free. CAMPAIGN FINANCE During my time in the New Hampshire State House of Representatives, I’ve seen countless out-of-state lobbyists flown in to fight against my legislation. The influence of money in politics is poisonous to our democracy, and for that reason, I am not accepting money from any PACs or special interest groups. Join this people-powered campaign to help us get money out of politics.	”
—Mindi Messmer's campaign website (2018)

Chris Pappas

The following was found on the candidate's 2018 campaign website.

“	HEALTHCARE Chris supports universal healthcare and will work to ensure everyone has quality, affordable health care coverage. The Affordable Care Act was a significant step forward, and we must stop Republican attempts to sabotage it and repeal it outright. As a member of the Executive Council, Chris worked with then-Governor Maggie Hassan and provided the pivotal vote to begin implementing the state’s Medicaid expansion program which now insures more than 50,000 Granite Staters. As a business owner, he provided health insurance to his employees long before it was required by the ACA, because it’s the right thing to do. Chris will oppose efforts to play politics with Americans’ health care and will look for opportunities to improve access, lower out of pocket costs, and make coverage universal. In Congress, Chris will: Take on Donald Trump and Washington insiders who want to repeal the ACA and in turn kick millions of people off their health insurance; raise premiums; and hurt families, women, men, seniors, and individuals with disabilities Support legislation that allows Americans and businesses to opt into the Medicare system for their health care coverage Support a public option for health care exchanges Lower the cost of prescription drugs by supporting efforts to end special tax breaks for pharmaceutical companies, allow Americans to purchase low-cost prescription drugs from Canada, increase drug pricing transparency, and allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices Support funding for New Hampshire’s community health centers REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND FAMILY PLANNING Chris ran for Executive Council after five Republican men voted to defund Planned Parenthood. After his election to the Executive Council in 2012, he led the successful fight to reverse that decision and fund family planning services and cancer screenings for more than 13,000 women and men in New Hampshire. As a member of the New Hampshire House, Chris earned a 100% pro-choice voting record and opposed legislation that would have interfered with a woman’s fundamental right to control her own body. In Congress, Chris will: Oppose attempts to restrict women’s access to reproductive health services Support efforts to prevent businesses from being able to deny women access to contraception coverage in their health plans Support the repeal of the Global Gag Rule so that organizations can provide family planning services to women around the world EDUCATION Strong public schools are the foundation of our society, democracy, and economy. Chris is proud of the education he received in the Manchester school system and wants to ensure that educational opportunities are expanded from pre-K through the post-secondary level. New Hampshire students have one of highest burdens of student loan debt as the cost of college continues to skyrocket. Parents working to put their kids through college or students paying their own way should not be saddled with unbearable debt. Chris will work to make college more affordable and to ensure it is within reach of each and every student, regardless of their zip code or family income. In Congress, Chris will: Support tuition-free education at community colleges and public universities which will unleash the potential of every student, help rebuild the middle class, and stimulate our economy Support universal pre-K to help close the opportunity gap that exists for too many New Hampshire families Stand up to Betsy DeVos and those who wish to siphon money from our public schools and give it to private and religious schools Support efforts to lower student loan interest rates and expand Pell grants Support the expansion of job training, continuing education, and apprenticeship programs to meet our nation’s current and emerging workforce challenges JOBS AND THE ECONOMY Chris believes we need an economy that works for everyone, not just the super rich or those who can hire DC lobbyists. Too many individuals are being shut out of the economy, and the middle class is being undermined by politicians in Washington who push policies that hurt their interests. As an employer, Chris has seen first-hand the importance in investing in the workforce and providing good wages and benefits. The Puritan Backroom restaurant has provided health care coverage for decades and offers paid time off to employees. Chris will always fight for policies that respect and empower workers and allow them to achieve their full economic potential. New Hampshire’s economy is driven by small businesses— over 96% of our employers are small businesses. Chris understands first-hand what it’s like to meet payroll and the importance of providing the best customer experience possible to keep folks coming back through the doors. He will fight to ensure that our small businesses have what they need to succeed. In Congress, Chris will: Support increasing the minimum wage and indexing it to inflation so that workers in the future won’t have to depend on Congress for a cost of living adjustment Support a system of paid family leave so workers won’t have to choose between caring for themselves or a sick relative and earning a day’s wages Fight efforts to erode collective bargaining rights and support the Employee Free Choice Act Fight to preserve and improve the Affordable Care Act Work to cut unnecessary red tape, expand access to credit, and bolster exporting opportunities Reinstate Net Neutrality OUR ENVIRONMENT New Hampshire’s way of life and economy is rooted in our coastline, lakes, mountains, forests, and natural surroundings. We should all work to leave our environment better than we found it; that means promoting clean energy, supporting environmental protection, and confronting the existential threat of climate change head on. Chris is a staunch supporter of developing New Hampshire's renewable energy portfolio. On the Executive Council, he has worked to secure investments for solar, wind, biomass, hydro, and geothermal projects across New Hampshire. As renewable energy technology improves and New Hampshire attracts more jobs in solar, Chris knows we must maintain incentives and tax credits to nurture the clean energy revolution that is underway. Climate change is not only real, it is an existential threat to the future of our planet, and we must take bold action to prevent its economic and environmental impacts here and around the globe. As this President implements policies that desecrate our environment, open spaces, air, and coastlines, Chris believes we must forcefully resist. Trump's decision to pull us out of the Paris Climate Agreement is a dangerous step that takes us backwards in our fight to curb emissions; his decision to end the Clean Power Plan undermines strategies to reduce emissions and harms air quality in New Hampshire. Proposals to allow private companies to drill for oil off the coast of New Hampshire are equally reckless and irresponsible. As the Environmental Protection Agency is now run by an agent of the fossil fuel industry, it's more important than ever for Congress to step up its oversight and hold the administration accountable. Chris will work to prevent lasting environmental damage from the Trump presidency and help put our country back on the path of protection and conservation. CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM Chris Pappas has introduced a "Homegrown Campaign Pledge" that would obligate CD1 Democratic candidates who sign on to guarantee a majority of donors be from New Hampshire. Pappas, a lifelong New Hampshire resident, fourth-generation small business owner, and local elected leader, is urging his primary opponents to join him in this effort to curb out-of-state influence in our elections. The pledge would ensure that candidates focus their fundraising on the people of the First District who will be affected by the decisions made on their behalf in Washington. Over 70% of Chris Pappas's campaign donors are from New Hampshire. The "Homegrown Campaign Pledge" is part of his comprehensive platform to "Get Money out of Politics" and restore decency and integrity in Washington by putting power back in the hands of the people. Chris has also pledged not to accept corporate PAC money. Pappas's full plan to curb the corrupting influence of money in politics also includes support for: Demanding disclosure and transparency by expanding the rules for publicly traded companies, dark money groups, and social welfare organizations Closing loopholes that currently prohibit some actors from contributing to political campaigns but allow them to contribute to PACs Supporting Representative John Sarbanes's 'Government by the People' Act to incentivize small dollar donations Backing the Get Foreign Money Out of U.S. Elections Act legislation to to expand the ban on foreign money in our political system to include all foreign-owned-and-controlled domestic organizations Co-sponsoring a Constitutional Amendment to overturn Citizens United FIGHTING THE OPIOID CRISIS There is no more urgent issue in New Hampshire than the opioid crisis, which claimed 466 lives in 2017 and cuts across geographic and demographic lines. There are years of work ahead to end this crisis that has hit the Granite State harder than almost any other place in the country. As a member of the Executive Council, Chris helped implement Medicaid Expansion which provides addiction treatment services to thousands of our friends and neighbors. He fought for increased funding for treatment, prevention, and recovery. He also supported giving law enforcement the tools it needs to disrupt trafficking, take drugs off the streets, and keep our communities safe through Operation Granite Hammer. As a member of Congress, Chris is ready to continue these fights and work in a bipartisan fashion to support our state’s efforts to combat this crisis. In Congress, Chris will: Support more resources for our fragile network of treatment and recovery programs Ensure federal funding formulas do not disadvantage New Hampshire Increase funding for prevention and education programs Support law enforcement efforts by giving them the tools they need to keep our streets safe and disrupt the distribution and sale of opioids Encourage states to better measure outcomes to demonstrate the effectiveness of programs Oppose the repeal of the ACA which would jeopardize substance use disorder coverage for more than 50,000 Granite Staters VETERANS HEALTH Both of Chris’s grandfathers served in the military as pilots during WWII, and when they returned home they knew their country had their back. Many of today’s returning veterans don’t feel this same commitment— they come home to face a litany of health issues, and their needs are not being met. Chris will fight for a full service veterans hospital for New Hampshire, and he will work hard to ensure that our veterans receive the quality care they need in their own communities. In Congress, Chris will: Fight efforts to privatize the VA Hold VA leadership accountable and work to implement recommendations to streamline bureaucracy and increase access Fight for a full service VA facility in New Hampshire while developing better community based care for veterans Work to make the Veterans Choice program permanent and attract more providers to participate IMMIGRATION Chris’s great-grandfather came to the United States from the tiny Greek hilltop town of Livadi, Elassona in 1906 to start a better life for his family. We are nation of immigrants, and Chris believes we need a comprehensive, bipartisan immigration strategy that stays true to our history and American values. In Congress, Chris will: Support citizenship for Dreamers who know no other country than the United States Support comprehensive immigration reform that allows people to come out of the shadows and find a pathway to citizenship Expand availability of H-2B visas for seasonal workers who are an integral part of New Hampshire’s agricultural and tourism industries Embrace New Hampshire’s refugee communities and support funding for language skills and job training programs Stand up to the Trump Administration’s efforts to end Temporary Protected Status for residents from dangerous parts of the globe COMMON SENSE GUN SAFETY MEASURES We have seen nothing but inaction from Congress in the wake of senseless acts of gun violence across the country, and that must change. Gun violence claimed 36,000 American lives in 2017, and we must take action to curb this violence. Chris believes we can take steps to save lives and keep our communities safe while maintaining the culture of hunting and responsible gun ownership that exists in New Hampshire. There is no need to choose between preserving that tradition and passing common sense gun safety measures that will allow us to live without fear of tragic gun violence. Chris is working to lift up the voices of young people who have become active around gun violence issues. He was the first candidate in this race to be designated as a Mom’s Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate and has been endorsed by the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence as well as the Gabby Giffords PAC: Courage to Fight Gun Violence. In Congress, Chris will: Support universal background checks for all gun purchases Support a ban on the sale of assault weapons including the AR-15 Support a ban on the sale of bump stocks and high capacity magazines Support a red flag law that would allow family members and the justice system to intervene and prevent someone from doing harm to themselves or others LGBTQ+ EQUALITY As the highest ranking LGBTQ elected official in New Hampshire and, if elected, our first openly gay member of Congress, Chris will always stand up for equal rights for all Americans. Every gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer teenager in America should be able to dream big with the knowledge nobody can hold them back because of who they are or who they love. Organizations like Planned Parenthood and the Equality Health Center provide the LGBTQ community with affordable, non-judgmental health services. In 2017, Chris successfully fought for additional funds for these organizations to provide STI counseling and testing, but much more needs to be done to provide services and ensure every LGBTQ American can live a full, open life. In Congress, Chris will: Support passage of the Equality Act, which will prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in employment, housing, and public accommodations in every corner of the United States Stand up to the Trump Administration’s endless attacks on the transgender community Support legislation to require anti-harassment policies on college campuses Work to ban the dangerous practice of so-called conversion therapy for LGBTQ individuals Fight to preserve and improve the Affordable Care Act INFRASTRUCTURE The status of roads, bridges, airports, and railways is critical to economic development and public safety. Chris will always champion efforts to build an intermodal system of transportation that serves the needs of the people and businesses of New Hampshire. Chris helped write the State’s past three long-term transportation plans. He strongly advocated for the expansion of I-93, increased investment in paving and bridge repair, as well as the expansion of passenger rail from the Manchester area to Boston. New Hampshire has diverse transportation needs but receives the least amount of federal highway aid of any state in the country. Chris knows we need leadership in Washington that will help us modernize our infrastructure and improve our state’s public safety and quality of life. FOREIGN POLICY In an increasingly dangerous world, the United States must work with our allies to promote stability and peace. President Trump has made us less safe by alienating our friends around the world, cozying up to Russia, and conducting an erratic foreign policy that relies on bombast and saber rattling instead of diplomacy. Congress must provide a check and balance on the Trump Administration and assert its role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and the use of military force. Chris believes we must strengthen our traditional alliances and demand that the State Department be rebuilt in a way that restores American diplomacy on the world stage. He knows that military force should always be used as a last resort and believes the administration must be required to seek authorization from Congress for further military incursions in the Middle East.	”
—Chris Pappas' campaign website (2018)

Maura Sullivan

The following was found on the candidate's 2018 campaign website.

“	Health care Every American deserves access to affordable, quality health care, and I believe that ensuring affordable access is achievable. I know what the obstacles are, and how to overcome them, from my experience as a former Assistant Secretary in the Department of Veterans Affairs, our country’s largest integrated health care system. As your Congresswoman, I will work tirelessly with patient advocacy groups, small business owners, health care professionals, hospitals, insurers, and the government to achieve meaningful, lasting improvements to our health care system. Our health care system is in critical condition, and worsening daily, thanks to Trump’s reckless dismantling of key provisions that make our health care system work. Whether you are the father of four on the Seacoast who pays $1,600 per month in premiums, the non-profit leader whose employer-based insurance costs over 50% of her take-home pay, the small business owner who explained to me how every year his insurance costs more and provides less, or the business owner in North Conway who cannot access the mental health care she needs, it is clear that our health care system just isn’t working. I have talked to countless Granite Staters in similar situations – hard working people who play by all the rules but have been left behind by this system. In the Marines, we held steadfast to a common commitment to each other: leave no one behind. It is time our government makes the same promise to all of us and stands up for the hard-working families of New Hampshire. Since President Trump ended the Affordable Care Act’s insurance subsidies last year, hard working Americans who are enrolled in the marketplace have seen their health care premiums spike nearly 40% on average. In New Hampshire alone, premiums have increased 78% from 2017 to 2018. Additionally, the Trump Administration has also threatened to eliminate coverage for children with pre-existing conditions. As your Congresswoman, I will fight to improve access to quality, affordable health care while decreasing costs and fighting tirelessly to protect coverage for people with pre-existing conditions. We can achieve these goals if we: Create a Public Option. A public option would allow individuals to buy into Medicare, which would create competition for the private insurance companies on the health care exchange. Competition will ensure Granite Staters have more choices for affordable, quality health care and keep private insurers honest and transparent about what they offer. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found a public option would save taxpayers $158 billion over 10 years and extend health care coverage to millions of Americans who still do not have access. Move towards an Outcome-Based Model. We need to develop a payment system that is based more on patient outcomes than on the number of tests and treatments prescribed. Associating payments with outcomes ensures that doctors and patients alike are solving for what matters most - health, not the quantity of care delivered. Negotiate to Reduce the Cost of Prescription Drugs. The Veterans Health Administration is one of the only health care systems in the country that can negotiate prescription drug prices. We must allow the government to use its considerable buying power to negotiate lower drug prices with pharmaceutical companies through Medicare and Medicaid as well. This can help ensure more Granite Staters can afford the prescription drugs they need, saving millions annually. And I know how to bring this practice into the mainstream, because I understand how it works from my time serving at the VA in the Obama Administration. Protect Programs for Seniors. New Hampshire’s population is aging. Taking care of our seniors is vitally important. I will fight any and all efforts to weaken Medicare. Medicare must remain an ironclad guarantee to current and future generations that they will receive the quality health care they deserve in retirement. Ensure Better Access to Mental Health Care. We must do everything we can to ensure that we prioritize mental health as much as physical health, and ensure access to affordable, quality mental health care. Additionally, I will work in Congress on efforts to destigmatize mental health issues so that Granite Staters get the care they need and deserve. Economic Opportunity I believe in the importance of an equal, level playing field – in an American Dream that is attainable to anyone who is willing to work hard and play by the rules. That is why as your Representative, I pledge to support long-term policies that will ensure opportunity for all, improve our economy, and create good paying jobs for Granite Staters. As your Congresswoman, I will fight to: Raise the Minimum Wage. Over the past decade, average wage growth for working families remained slow and sluggish. We are the only state in New England where our wage is pegged to the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour. It is harder for people to stretch a paycheck to cover the rising costs of health care, housing, gas and groceries. Yet households at the top of the income scale have enjoyed much larger gains throughout the same period. I want to help working families and the economy by raising the federal minimum wage to $15.00 per hour. The federal minimum wage is worth less today than it was 50 years ago. That is unacceptable. We should do better by working people. Provide Paid Family Leave. America is the only industrialized nation in the world that does not guarantee workers paid family leave. And the United States and New Guinea are the only two countries out of 170 that provide no cash benefits of any kind to women during maternity leave. While I was serving at the Pentagon, I was part of the team that advocated for 12 weeks of maternity leave. In Congress, I will fight to guarantee workers paid family leave so no one has to choose between their family and their career. Invest in Education and Training. Too many young people are leaving New Hampshire for other states, yet companies here still have difficulties filling positions. I believe we need to invest in education and job training here in New Hampshire, including cutting the costs of college, which are among the highest in the nation. We also need to connect Granite Staters looking for jobs with open positions. We can address this challenge in New Hampshire by combining work, education, and public support services to help individuals earn industry-recognized credentials. We can do this by creating federal grants to support partnerships between community or technical colleges and employers. That is why I support job training initiatives that will help prepare students for good jobs, help workers train for stable careers, and ensure businesses have the educated workforce they need for the future of New Hampshire's economy. Help Small Businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy in New Hampshire, which is why I will fight to pass tax relief and reduce unnecessary or overly burdensome regulations on small businesses. This will help level the playing field for small businesses and help small businesses start, grow, and thrive. Invest in Infrastructure. According to an analysis of federal data, more than 10 percent of bridges in New Hampshire are considered "structurally deficient." New Hampshire is ranked 13th in the country in highest percentage of bridges deemed to be in poor condition. Our state and country needs to invest in infrastructure. The American Society of Civil Engineers has given the U.S. a D+ for our national infrastructure and estimates that we need to double our investment in infrastructure over the next decade to improve our grade, which is why I support bipartisan efforts to invest in rebuilding and expanding our infrastructure. This will help America compete in a 21st century economy and create good-paying middle class jobs. Combat New Hampshire’s Housing Shortage: New Hampshire is now facing a once-in-a-generation housing shortage causing the tightest and highest cost housing market in history. While high home prices might be good for some, they also lead to higher property tax assessments, and crowd-out places to live for low- and middle-income workers. They hurt renters and young families the hardest - the future of our state - who are trying to get their start in New Hampshire. In addition, high housing prices push more people into homelessness. We can combat these problems by working with private developers and small businesses to obtain federally-subsidized affordable housing loans. Additionally, we can support programs for those who are ineligible for public housing on the one hand and those whose incomes do not allow them to pay for decent housing on the other. We can also work to bring in more federal grant money to support at-risk homeless populations, by supporting social services throughout our state. Gun Violence Prevention A 10-year old girl on the Seacoast came to one of our house parties and told me that she was afraid to go to school because of gun violence. A teacher in Epping shared with me that she was worried about how she would move her special needs students out of the way, quickly enough, if an active shooter came to her school. And I hear from countless parents and grandparents across New Hampshire who share these fears on a daily basis when they send their children to school. This is unacceptable. But like many, I have a growing hope that we have reached an inflection point. In the wake of the Parkland and Sante Fe tragedies, a new generation of young people from all across our country, outraged at the failure of political leaders to act, have taken a stand and demanded comprehensive gun safety reforms in our country. On the 19th anniversary of Columbine, I was proud to stand with students at Spaulding High School in Rochester as they took democracy into their own hands to protest gun violence. Their leadership inspires me – but they shouldn’t have to lead on this issue. Ten-year-olds should be shooting hoops with their next-door neighbors, or at the movies eating popcorn, not doing “active shooter” drills at their schools and asking adults whether they will be safe at school. It is time for Congress to do something about the epidemic of gun violence in our country. I have a lot of experience with weapons from my time as a Marine Corps Officer and Iraq Veteran. And as your Congresswoman I will do everything in my power to help pass the following legislative measures that have broad bipartisan support: 1. Pass Universal Background Checks. 97% of Americans support requiring background checks on all gun purchases, whether they’re over the Internet, at gun shows, in newspaper ads, or friend and family transfers. This is one of the most important steps Congress can take to curb gun violence in our country. 2. Ban the Sale of Assault Weapons and High Capacity Magazines. Since Congress let the 1994 federal assault weapons ban lapse in 2004, gun violence has been on the rise in America. The madman who opened fire from a hotel window in Las Vegas, killing 58 and wounding 851, was able to buy his military grade weapons and massacre-sized magazines perfectly legally. It is time Congress once again banned the sale of assault weapons and massacre sized magazines so we can prevent future tragedies like Parkland, Las Vegas, the Texas Church, Orlando Pulse Nightclub, and so many more. The weapons of war and magazines we used in Iraq have no place in our communities. 3. Ban Bump Stocks. Congress should immediately ban the sale of bump stocks, a low cost accessory that converts a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic weapon. 4. Close the Boyfriend Loophole. Federal law prohibits individuals found guilty of domestic violence from purchasing a gun. But, it does not prevent romantic partners who do not share a child or live with their victim from owning a gun. So, Congress must close the boyfriend loophole and ensure that individuals convicted of domestic violence cannot legally buy a gun. 5. No Fly, No Buy. If an individual is too dangerous to board an airplane even after a pat down and a trip through a metal detector, he/she should not be able to buy a gun either. Pure common sense alone dictates that anyone on the FBI’s “No Fly List” should not be able to purchase a firearm. Congress needs to pass legislation that would prevent such individuals from buying guns, while providing a review process for those who may be on the list in error. 6. Oppose Concealed Carry Reciprocity. I will oppose any and all efforts to pass Concealed Carry Reciprocity laws, unless other jurisdiction has as strong or stronger gun laws. Finally, as a candidate and as your Congresswoman, I will never, ever accept a single cent from the National Rifle Association or from gun lobbyists. Education I am proud to be a product of the public education system. One of the fundamental promises of our country is that every child has an equal shot regardless of the zip code they grew up in. Fundamental to ensuring the American Dream is a great, quality public education. That is one of the many reasons that I believe all of our young people should have access to a quality education that begins with preschool and which makes higher education affordable to all. But sadly, for far too many Americans, an affordable education is out of reach. We can fix that. Here’s how: Universal Pre-K: In Congress, I will work to create a partnership with the states to fund and support full day Pre-K. Studies show children who attend preschool graduate high school at a higher rate, earn higher incomes, and live healthier lives as adults. That is a huge social benefit. That is why I support universal pre-k to level the playing field for all our students at an early age. Make Higher Education Affordable to All: By 2020, 35 percent of job openings in America will require a bachelor’s degree while another 30 percent will require an associate degree or some type of certificate. One of our top economic priorities as a nation should be developing the most highly trained workforce in the world. We can only do that by making higher education and specialized vocational training more affordable without saddling our students with mountains of debt. In order to make higher education more affordable for all, as your Congresswoman, I will fight for: The Right of Individuals to Refinance. Student loan recipients should be able to refinance their loans at current historically low interest rates. The student loan program should not serve as a guaranteed indirect subsidy for banks. Pay As You Grow Provisions. We should also increase the availability of income-based loan repayment plans. Young grads crushed by loan debt are not able to save up to buy homes of their own and plan for strong financial futures. This crushing debt holds back our economy. A Pay As You Grow option would be a critical part of addressing this problem. Increase Support for Higher Education. I believe we need to increase funding for Pell Grants that are available to low- and middle-income students. And students who attend community college should also be able to easily transfer their credits to a four-year institution, creating a more affordable path for students to earn a bachelor’s degree. UNH is one of the most expensive state universities in the country, and is in danger of being out of reach for working families. We need to do more to support UNH and to support our students to be able to afford our state school. Improve Career Readiness. After high school or college graduation, too many students are not prepared for the jobs that are open right now. We need to ensure that our students can get the education and skills they need for the jobs of today and tomorrow. That is why we should create a national program for career readiness. As part of a career readiness program, high schools would partner with trade schools, community colleges, and employers to ensure students learn the skills necessary in a 21st century economy. Expand Pathways to College by Expanding AmeriCorps and Increasing Service Opportunities. I was proud to earn a ROTC Scholarship to pay for my college education, but that is not the right pathway for everyone. Service opportunities like AmeriCorps are a true win-win for the community and the individual. We should significantly expand the AmeriCorps budget and increase pathways to service and education for students. Environment Climate change costs the United States at least $240 billion a year. Climate change is a fact and the Trump Administration needs to add it back to our national security agenda. Every American has a right to clean water and clean air, yet the Trump Administration has dismantled environmental protections that keep our water safe to drink and our air safe to breathe. We need to protect our natural resources here in New Hampshire and protect the planet we are leaving to our children. We should be investing in clean energy so we can combat climate change while creating more good-paying jobs than in the oil, natural gas, and coal industries combined. In the Obama Administration, I was proud to work for Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus on the Navy’s Great Green Fleet initiative. This program piloted new energy and environmental practices by testing new uses of biofuels, energy efficiency, and clean energy in military operations. The Navy now sources 12% of its energy from renewable sources. In Congress, I will fight to: Rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement. America is the only country that is not a participant in the Paris Climate Accord. It is essential we rejoin it to protect current and future generations. Reinstate Climate Change as a National Security Priority. There are many ways to fight climate change, but given the size of the budget of the Department of Defense and the moment our nation is in, national security is likely to be one of the most effective approaches to effect meaningful change. I would fight to reinstate climate change as the national security priority that it is, both for the safety of our nation and the world. The United States Navy alone has 80 billion dollars in assets that it will lose if ocean levels rise more than 10 feet. The United States must be a leader in fighting climate change to ensure our national security is protected. Invest in the Clean Energy Economy. America should be focused on creating new energy technology that supports environmental sustainability and economic growth. By investing in clean energy, we can combat climate change while creating good-paying jobs here at home. And retrofitting schools and public buildings to be more energy efficient creates jobs that cannot be “sent overseas.” This will improve our economy, enhance our security, and help to establish America’s position in the world as a leader in clean energy. That will in turn attract investment, spur innovation, and create new companies. Veterans “The bond between our forces and our citizens has to be a sacred trust … upholding our trust with our Veterans is not just a matter of policy, it is a moral obligation.” –President Barack Obama We all share a commitment to our Veterans, servicemembers, and their families. As a former Marine Corps Captain and Iraq War Veteran, I have been advocating and fighting for my fellow Veterans, servicemembers, and military families since I left active duty -- as a graduate student and later as an appointee in the Obama Administration, first at the VA and then at the Pentagon. I will always keep fighting for those serving in the military, Veterans, and military families, and I will continue to do so as your Congresswoman. In the Obama Administration, I saw firsthand the vital work that is done to support our Veterans and servicemembers. I also saw the flaws in a system that is in need of reform. I have traveled to VA hospitals around our country, and have seen the VA’s centers of excellence, and know how to bring those resources here to the Manchester VA for our Granite State Veterans. Our servicemembers and their families should never have to worry about the support they need, the care they deserve, and that their families will be taken care of. I will make it my top priority in Congress to ensure we fully fund the programs that support our military servicemembers, Veterans, and their families. Fully fund Veterans medical care and improve access to care. Expand support for mental health services. Expand and improve programs for Veterans transitioning from the armed services. Fund programs that support the families of servicemembers and Veterans. Fight to end Veteran homelessness. And I will prioritize our Veterans here at home. Make Manchester VA Hospital a Full Service Hospital. Our Veterans served to defend our country and freedom and deserve access to quality health care here at home. In Congress, I will introduce legislation that would require the VA to establish a full service hospital in our state to ensure our Veterans receive the full range of health care benefits they deserve. While I disagree with the Manchester Vision 2025 Task Force Report’s recommendation to not make Manchester a full service hospital, I support many of their proposals that will improve access, expand services, and increase quality of health care for our Veterans. Expand Access to Community-Based Care for all Veterans, Specifically Veterans in Rural Areas. Veterans, particularly in the more rural areas of our state, struggle to access the care they need on a frequent basis. We need to continue to improve access to care in the communities right there where our Veterans live. We must also preserve the ability for those who are called to serve to be able to continue to serve. The Trump Administration’s assault on transgender servicemembers is counter to who we are as a nation. I was proud to be part of the team at the Pentagon under President Obama that worked to ensure that anyone who can meet the military’s top standards can serve regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Protect the ability for people to serve regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. As your member of Congress, I will continue to fight for Granite State servicemembers, Veterans, and their families. Women's Rights Some of the work I am most proud of is fighting for women and families as a senior appointee in the Obama Administration at the Pentagon and the VA, where I worked on: Women’s fertility options Maternity leave Gender integration in the military I have seen how important it is to have a woman’s voice at the table when our national leaders meet to decide the fate of women’s health. I have been proud to be a voice at that table, and I will continue to use my experience to fight for women. I believe in a woman’s right to full and complete equality, which includes the right to make our own reproductive choices without government interference. I will always protect a woman’s right to choose and fight back against efforts to cut funding to organizations like Planned Parenthood that provide critical health care to women and men. The Affordable Care Act expanded health care access for women including annual wellness exams and cancer screenings, birth control, and maternity care. It is essential we protect these services as well. As your Congresswoman, I will support efforts to: Fight for Paid Family Leave. I will support legislation for paid family leave because no one should have to choose between keeping a job or caring for a loved one, and we need to do more to support Granite State working families. Close the Pay Gap. Women, particularly women of color, regularly earn less than men in the workplace. Pay equity is not just a women’s issue, it is a working families issue. In New Hampshire, women earn 83 cents for every dollar a man earns. Whenever a woman earns less than a man for doing the same job, it hurts her entire family. The pay gap is slowly closing, but at its current rate, it would take until 2059 for women to finally reach pay equality. We cannot wait that long. That is why I will work tirelessly to close the pay gap and fight for equal pay for equal work including supporting the Paycheck Fairness Act. Improve Access to Women’s Health Care. Every woman, regardless of socioeconomic status or insurance coverage, should have access to a full range of reproductive health care. I will support and sponsor legislation to increase access to affordable contraception and protect women’s reproductive rights. I will also fight all efforts to defund Planned Parenthood. Fight Discrimination in the Workplace. It is time we fight for full equality in the workplace, from closing the pay gap to ending discrimination against primary caregivers and pregnant women. Do More to Prevent Violence Against Women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has designated domestic violence as a public health problem. More than 37 percent of American women, and almost 31 percent of American men, have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking from an intimate partner during their lifetime. I believe we can, and should, do more to prevent violence before it happens. And I promise to fight any efforts to cut funding for the programs and community-based solutions here in New Hampshire that are badly needed to support survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence including closing the boyfriend loophole. Opioid Epidemic Our nation faces an unprecedented opioid epidemic. The CDC estimates that opioids killed more than 42,000 people in 2016. The crisis is particularly severe in New Hampshire, which has the second highest opioid death rate in the United States. The opioid epidemic claims Granite Stater lives daily. It demands our attention and requires urgent action. Recently, I met a woman in Manchester whose nephew has struggled with addiction for 13 years after being prescribed opioids for a sports injury when he was seventeen years old. His story is all too common. When I was serving at the VA, under President Obama, I saw day in and day out the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic on our Veterans. Veterans are twice as likely as non-Veterans to die from accidental overdoses of these highly addictive painkillers. That is why I fought to ensure there was adequate treatment and prevention. As your Congresswoman, I will continue to lead on this issue. The battlegrounds of the opioid crisis are at the local and the state levels, but the federal government needs to play a larger role in supporting our local community-based organizations in battling this epidemic. And there is an opportunity for us to drive bipartisan legislation to roll back the opioid scourge once and for all, bringing together the states most affected, like ours, West Virginia, and Ohio - to lead the way to a lasting solution. In Congress, I will fight for prevention, treatment, and crisis management of the opioid epidemic here in New Hampshire and throughout our country. Prevention: Reduce the likelihood of new addicts by supporting the Opioid Addiction Prevention Act of 2017, limiting an opioid prescription for the initial treatment of acute pain to the lesser of a seven-day supply, or an opioid prescription limit established under state law. Set clearer guidelines for treatment of opioid addiction in hospitals and emergency room departments, including mandatory prescriber education about the dangers of opioids and conversations between health care professionals and patients about the risks of addiction before prescriptions are written. Hold drug companies accountable for their role in the opioid epidemic. Treatment: Support the Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency (CARE) Act – the opioid crisis needs to be elevated to a national emergency similar to what happened to the HIV/AIDS epidemic with the Ryan White bill in 1990. The CARE Act would provide significant federal funding to help state and local governments. Improve access to centers providing evidence-based treatment, including those that utilize methadone. Increase research funding through the National Institute of Health to help discover better forms of treatment for opioid addiction. Crisis Management: Make naloxone readily available in all high need communities through increased funding Enable the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate price with drug providers	”
—Maura Sullivan's campaign website (2018)

Debates and forums

September 5 debate

The 11 candidates participated in a debate on September 5. View coverage of the event here.

August 30 candidate forum

An August 30 forum featured all 11 candidates. See coverage of the forum here.

August 2 candidate forum

All 11 candidates attended an August 2, 2018, forum.

"NH 1st Congressional District - Democratic Candidates Forum" August 2, 2018

June 21 candidate forum

A forum was held on June 21, 2018, and 10 candidates attended. Click here for coverage of the event.

May 14 candidate forum

On May 14, 10 candidates participated in a forum. View a video of the event here.

April 18 candidate forum

A candidate forum was held on April 18, 2018. Eight candidates attended. Click here for coverage of the event.

Campaign finance

The chart below contains data from financial reports submitted to the Federal Election Commission.

Name	Party	Receipts*	Disbursements**	Cash on hand	Date
Naomi Andrews	Democratic Party	$102,751	$101,781	$969	As of October 30, 2018
Mark S. Mackenzie	Democratic Party	$352,081	$354,630	$-482	As of December 31, 2018
Deaglan McEachern	Democratic Party	$273,448	$273,176	$272	As of December 31, 2018
Mindi Messmer	Democratic Party	$132,596	$126,943	$5,784	As of December 31, 2018
Terence O'Rourke	Democratic Party	$17,848	$16,749	$1,251	As of September 30, 2018
Chris Pappas	Democratic Party	$2,219,342	$2,105,498	$113,844	As of December 31, 2018
Levi Sanders	Democratic Party	$42,117	$27,983	$-5,497	As of December 31, 2018
Maura Sullivan	Democratic Party	$2,017,224	$2,002,220	$15,005	As of December 31, 2018
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2018. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). * According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." ** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election.

Satellite spending

The following figures were current as of September 7.

• VoteVets spent $289,181 on television and digital ads in support of Maura Sullivan.
• Equality PAC spent $223,315 on direct mail and digital advertising in support of Chris Pappas.
• With Honor Fund spent $517,012 on digital ads, mailings, and polling in support of Maura Sullivan.
• Women Vote!, a super PAC affiliated with EMILY's List, spent $150,097 on mailings in support of Maura Sullivan.

Campaign tactics and strategies

Campaign advertisements

Naomi Andrews

"Experience, Enthusiasm, Courage: Why New Hampshire Needs Naomi" released September 6, 2018

Andrews' campaign released a radio ad featuring Carol Shea-Porter, who endorsed Andrews, on September 5. Listen to the ad here.

Mindi Messmer

"Mindi Draws the Line - Money Out of Politics" released August 14, 2018

"Fighting to Protect All Children and Families" released August 4, 2018

Chris Pappas

"Big Fights" released August 3, 2018

"Right Here" released August 28, 2018

Maura Sullivan

"That's Maura" released July 30, 2018

"America" released July 30, 2018

"Classroom" released August 16, 2018

"Threat" released August 27, 2018

VoteVets produced the following ad in support of Sullivan.

"New Generation" released August 24, 2018

Pappas' and Sullivan's attack mailers

Within the final two weeks of the primary, Pappas and Sullivan both sent out mailers attacking one another. Sullivan's mailer said that Pappas was endorsed in 2016 by the National Federation of Independent Business, which supported repealing the ACA. The mailer read, "No real backbone. Not a real progressive."

Pappas' mailer said that Sullivan received 96 percent of her campaign contributions from outside the state. It also said that $54,000 of her funds came from Bain Capital, and that this amount exceeded what she took in from New Hampshire.

The LGBTQ Victory Fund and state Sen. David Watters, both Pappas supporters, issued statements critical of Sullivan's mailer, saying that the backbone comment was meant as a reference to Pappas being gay. Pappas called the mailer "beyond the pale." He also said, "I’ve demonstrated...backbone during the fights I’ve taken on at the State House, whether it’s standing up for women’s health, expanding Medicaid, going toe to toe with the governor when need be."

Whitney Larsen, Sullivan's campaign manager, said in response to criticisms of the mailer, "The fact is, Chris Pappas welcomed with open arms the endorsement of the NFIB, which is a Koch Brothers front group that wanted to repeal Obamacare."

Throughout her campaign, Sullivan responded to criticisms about contributions from outside New Hampshire by saying that she gained many of her supporters through her work in the Marines and the Obama administration.

Democratic district won by Donald Trump

See also: U.S. House districts represented by a Democrat and won by Donald Trump in 2016 and Split-ticket districts in the 2016 presidential and U.S. House elections

This district was one of 13 Democratic-held U.S. House districts that Donald Trump (R) won in the 2016 presidential election. Some were expected to be among the House's most competitive elections in 2018.

2018 election results in Democratic-held U.S. House districts won by Donald Trump in 2016
District	Incumbent	2018 winner	2018 margin	2016 presidential margin	2012 presidential margin
Arizona's 1st	Tom O'Halleran	Tom O'Halleran	D+7.7	Trump+1.1	Romney+2.5
Iowa's 2nd	Dave Loebsack	Dave Loebsack	D+12.2	Trump+4.1	Obama+13.1
Illinois' 17th	Cheri Bustos	Cheri Bustos	D+23.6	Trump+0.7	Obama+17.0
Minnesota's 1st	Tim Walz	Jim Hagedorn	R+0.4	Trump+14.9	Obama+1.4
Minnesota's 7th	Collin Peterson	Collin Peterson	D+4.3	Trump+30.8	Romney+9.8
Minnesota's 8th	Rick Nolan	Pete Stauber	R+5.5	Trump+15.6	Obama+5.5
New Hampshire's 1st	Carol Shea-Porter	Chris Pappas	D+11.7	Trump+1.6	Obama+1.6
New Jersey's 5th	Josh Gottheimer	Josh Gottheimer	D+11.7	Trump+1.1	Romney+3.1
Nevada's 3rd	Jacky Rosen	Susie Lee	D+9.1	Trump+1.0	Obama+0.8
New York's 18th	Sean Patrick Maloney	Sean Patrick Maloney	D+10.2	Trump+1.9	Obama+4.3
Pennsylvania's 8th	Matt Cartwright	Matt Cartwright	D+9.2	Trump+9.6	Obama+11.9
Pennsylvania's 14th	Conor Lamb	Guy Reschenthaler	R+15.9	Trump+29.0	Romney+17.7
Wisconsin's 3rd	Ron Kind	Ron Kind	D+19.4	Trump+4.5	Obama+11.0

Click here to see the 25 Republican-held U.S. House districts that Hillary Clinton (D) won.

Click here to see an overview of all split-ticket districts in the 2016 presidential and U.S. House elections.

Race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods

Race ratings: New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District election, 2018
Race tracker	Race ratings
	October 30, 2018	October 23, 2018	October 16, 2018	October 9, 2018
The Cook Political Report	Likely Democratic	Likely Democratic	Likely Democratic	Likely Democratic
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales	Lean Democratic	Tilt Democratic	Tilt Democratic	Tilt Democratic
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball	Likely Democratic	Likely Democratic	Lean Democratic	Lean Democratic
Note: Ballotpedia updates external race ratings every two weeks throughout the election season.

Pivot Counties

See also: Pivot Counties by state

Three of 10 New Hampshire counties—30 percent—are Pivot Counties. Pivot Counties are counties that voted for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012 and for Donald Trump (R) in 2016. Altogether, the nation had 206 Pivot Counties, with most being concentrated in upper midwestern and northeastern states.

Counties won by Trump in 2016 and Obama in 2012 and 2008
County	Trump margin of victory in 2016	Obama margin of victory in 2012	Obama margin of victory in 2008
Coos County, New Hampshire	8.89%	17.54%	18.19%
Hillsborough County, New Hampshire	0.20%	1.12%	3.73%
Sullivan County, New Hampshire	2.58%	13.27%	17.93%

In the 2016 presidential election, Hillary Clinton (D) won New Hampshire with 46.8 percent of the vote. Donald Trump (R) received 46.5 percent. In presidential elections between 1789 and 2016, New Hampshire voted Republican 50 percent of the time and Democratic 31 percent of the time. In the five presidential elections between 2000 and 2016, New Hampshire voted Democratic with the exception of the 2000 presidential election.

Presidential results by legislative district

The following table details results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections by state Senate districts in New Hampshire. Click [show] to expand the table. The "Obama," "Romney," "Clinton," and "Trump" columns describe the percent of the vote each presidential candidate received in the district. The "2012 Margin" and "2016 Margin" columns describe the margin of victory between the two presidential candidates in those years. The "Party Control" column notes which party held that seat heading into the 2018 general election. Data on the results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections broken down by state legislative districts was compiled by Daily Kos.

In 2012, Barack Obama (D) won 12 out of 24 state Senate districts in New Hampshire with an average margin of victory of 17.3 points. In 2016, Hillary Clinton (D) won 10 out of 24 state Senate districts in New Hampshire with an average margin of victory of 14.5 points. Clinton won two districts controlled by Republicans heading into the 2018 elections.

In 2012, Mitt Romney (R) won 12 out of 24 state Senate districts in New Hampshire with an average margin of victory of 5.6 points. In 2016, Donald Trump (R) won 14 out of 24 state Senate districts in New Hampshire with an average margin of victory of 9.6 points. Trump won two districts controlled by Democrats heading into the 2018 elections.

2016 presidential results by state Senate District
District	Obama	Romney	2012 Margin	Clinton	Trump	2016 Margin	Party Control
1	57.08%	41.61%	D+15.5	44.99%	49.68%	R+4.7	D
2	52.51%	45.89%	D+6.6	43.98%	50.44%	R+6.5	R
3	49.12%	49.88%	R+0.8	43.80%	51.18%	R+7.4	R
4	58.08%	40.29%	D+17.8	54.34%	39.58%	D+14.8	D
5	67.21%	31.61%	D+35.6	64.56%	30.85%	D+33.7	D
6	48.32%	50.55%	R+2.2	38.68%	55.72%	R+17	R
7	51.70%	47.17%	D+4.5	41.20%	53.79%	R+12.6	R
8	51.06%	47.42%	D+3.6	43.59%	50.95%	R+7.4	R
9	47.73%	51.10%	R+3.4	47.84%	46.80%	D+1	R
10	65.04%	33.59%	D+31.4	57.23%	37.63%	D+19.6	D
11	47.67%	50.89%	R+3.2	46.41%	48.12%	R+1.7	R
12	47.21%	51.36%	R+4.1	45.98%	48.45%	R+2.5	R
13	58.98%	39.69%	D+19.3	55.28%	39.78%	D+15.5	D
14	43.11%	55.81%	R+12.7	40.93%	53.97%	R+13	R
15	63.57%	35.25%	D+28.3	58.03%	36.71%	D+21.3	D
16	48.95%	50.02%	R+1.1	47.69%	47.37%	D+0.3	D
17	48.55%	49.99%	R+1.4	39.58%	54.99%	R+15.4	R
18	51.23%	47.52%	D+3.7	46.10%	48.85%	R+2.7	D
19	42.34%	56.47%	R+14.1	39.59%	55.53%	R+15.9	R
20	53.77%	44.65%	D+9.1	49.28%	45.21%	D+4.1	D
21	65.10%	33.62%	D+31.5	64.73%	29.61%	D+35.1	D
22	40.70%	58.37%	R+17.7	37.33%	58.66%	R+21.3	R
23	47.62%	51.11%	R+3.5	44.05%	50.72%	R+6.7	R
24	48.37%	50.73%	R+2.4	47.82%	47.78%	D+0	R
Total	52.17%	46.57%	D+5.6	47.60%	47.22%	D+0.4	-
Source: Daily Kos

Presidential results by legislative district

The following table details results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections by state House districts in New Hampshire. Click [show] to expand the table. The "Obama," "Romney," "Clinton," and "Trump" columns describe the percent of the vote each presidential candidate received in the district. The "2012 Margin" and "2016 Margin" columns describe the margin of victory between the two presidential candidates in those years. Data on the results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections broken down by state legislative districts was compiled by Daily Kos.

In 2012, Barack Obama (D) won 145 out of 204 state House districts in New Hampshire with an average margin of victory of 17.8 points. In 2016, Hillary Clinton (D) won 101 out of 204 state House districts in New Hampshire with an average margin of victory of 17.1 points.

In 2012, Mitt Romney (R) won 59 out of 204 state House districts in New Hampshire with an average margin of victory of 9.9 points. In 2016, Donald Trump (R) won 103 out of 204 state House districts in New Hampshire with an average margin of victory of 12.9 points.

2016 presidential results by state House district
District	Obama	Romney	2012 Margin	Clinton	Trump	2016 Margin
Belknap 01	47.46%	51.84%	R+4.4	41.87%	52.77%	R+10.9
Belknap 02	46.40%	52.80%	R+6.4	42.19%	53.44%	R+11.3
Belknap 03	50.13%	49.12%	D+1	41.17%	53.63%	R+12.5
Belknap 04	50.96%	47.74%	D+3.2	40.81%	53.63%	R+12.8
Belknap 05	39.96%	59.36%	R+19.4	33.77%	61.51%	R+27.7
Belknap 06	48.93%	49.86%	R+0.9	34.78%	59.94%	R+25.2
Belknap 07	46.68%	52.03%	R+5.4	35.69%	58.71%	R+23
Belknap 08	41.99%	57.14%	R+15.2	34.37%	60.64%	R+26.3
Belknap 09	49.75%	49.36%	D+0.4	39.17%	55.61%	R+16.4
Carroll 01	58.26%	40.88%	D+17.4	58.42%	36.24%	D+22.2
Carroll 02	57.17%	41.74%	D+15.4	51.38%	43.34%	D+8
Carroll 03	53.57%	45.22%	D+8.4	47.18%	47.02%	D+0.2
Carroll 04	43.34%	55.99%	R+12.7	41.37%	54.11%	R+12.7
Carroll 05	43.94%	54.76%	R+10.8	34.06%	60.82%	R+26.8
Carroll 06	43.25%	55.98%	R+12.7	44.09%	51.27%	R+7.2
Carroll 07	56.15%	42.76%	D+13.4	51.38%	43.15%	D+8.2
Carroll 08	43.65%	55.37%	R+11.7	37.59%	57.58%	R+20
Cheshire 01	62.12%	36.66%	D+25.5	54.70%	40.36%	D+14.3
Cheshire 02	59.89%	38.83%	D+21.1	49.80%	45.21%	D+4.6
Cheshire 03	57.10%	41.06%	D+16	49.26%	45.18%	D+4.1
Cheshire 04	75.94%	21.82%	D+54.1	65.04%	28.47%	D+36.6
Cheshire 05	74.61%	23.83%	D+50.8	66.72%	28.02%	D+38.7
Cheshire 06	67.57%	30.51%	D+37.1	62.54%	32.32%	D+30.2
Cheshire 07	67.19%	31.87%	D+35.3	63.21%	31.63%	D+31.6
Cheshire 08	63.94%	35.07%	D+28.9	61.89%	33.11%	D+28.8
Cheshire 09	59.26%	39.39%	D+19.9	52.52%	41.42%	D+11.1
Cheshire 10	62.89%	35.35%	D+27.5	52.36%	42.38%	D+10
Cheshire 11	48.01%	50.30%	R+2.3	39.80%	55.03%	R+15.2
Cheshire 12	56.74%	41.97%	D+14.8	46.33%	48.76%	R+2.4
Cheshire 13	62.73%	35.11%	D+27.6	47.48%	46.86%	D+0.6
Cheshire 14	53.77%	44.72%	D+9.1	46.11%	48.28%	R+2.2
Cheshire 15	59.64%	38.76%	D+20.9	48.12%	46.72%	D+1.4
Cheshire 16	69.64%	28.86%	D+40.8	63.80%	30.82%	D+33
Coos 01	45.75%	53.10%	R+7.4	33.24%	61.94%	R+28.7
Coos 02	59.73%	39.44%	D+20.3	38.56%	56.30%	R+17.7
Coos 03	68.97%	30.07%	D+38.9	49.89%	45.09%	D+4.8
Coos 04	52.02%	46.23%	D+5.8	40.86%	53.95%	R+13.1
Coos 05	54.56%	44.03%	D+10.5	43.52%	51.03%	R+7.5
Coos 06	63.76%	35.20%	D+28.6	50.28%	45.25%	D+5
Coos 07	55.43%	43.24%	D+12.2	41.07%	53.66%	R+12.6
Grafton 01	56.23%	42.31%	D+13.9	47.66%	47.01%	D+0.7
Grafton 02	55.51%	43.14%	D+12.4	48.07%	46.79%	D+1.3
Grafton 03	56.47%	41.99%	D+14.5	47.08%	47.04%	D+0
Grafton 04	49.27%	49.32%	R+0.1	37.35%	56.42%	R+19.1
Grafton 05	57.16%	41.24%	D+15.9	50.51%	43.23%	D+7.3
Grafton 06	51.70%	46.75%	D+4.9	45.15%	48.62%	R+3.5
Grafton 07	57.00%	41.53%	D+15.5	47.57%	46.50%	D+1.1
Grafton 08	61.78%	35.86%	D+25.9	54.67%	39.40%	D+15.3
Grafton 09	49.70%	48.19%	D+1.5	39.56%	54.92%	R+15.4
Grafton 10	63.69%	34.82%	D+28.9	57.32%	36.93%	D+20.4
Grafton 11	55.83%	42.54%	D+13.3	44.53%	50.08%	R+5.5
Grafton 12	75.45%	23.59%	D+51.9	83.78%	13.02%	D+70.8
Grafton 13	69.10%	29.83%	D+39.3	69.06%	25.96%	D+43.1
Grafton 14	55.96%	42.63%	D+13.3	47.82%	46.92%	D+0.9
Grafton 15	53.44%	45.07%	D+8.4	42.84%	51.13%	R+8.3
Grafton 16	53.66%	44.75%	D+8.9	44.86%	49.31%	R+4.5
Grafton 17	54.23%	43.87%	D+10.4	45.46%	48.95%	R+3.5
Hillsborough 01	53.91%	44.52%	D+9.4	41.15%	52.79%	R+11.6
Hillsborough 02	45.04%	53.39%	R+8.3	34.84%	58.30%	R+23.5
Hillsborough 03	55.71%	42.71%	D+13	50.65%	43.64%	D+7
Hillsborough 04	52.03%	45.45%	D+6.6	45.21%	48.16%	R+2.9
Hillsborough 05	44.94%	53.99%	R+9.1	43.76%	50.72%	R+7
Hillsborough 06	45.98%	52.78%	R+6.8	43.05%	52.01%	R+9
Hillsborough 07	36.81%	62.40%	R+25.6	44.10%	51.38%	R+7.3
Hillsborough 08	51.56%	47.69%	D+3.9	54.56%	40.73%	D+13.8
Hillsborough 09	53.82%	44.85%	D+9	52.41%	42.08%	D+10.3
Hillsborough 10	64.03%	33.59%	D+30.4	61.46%	32.94%	D+28.5
Hillsborough 11	61.78%	36.57%	D+25.2	54.11%	39.60%	D+14.5
Hillsborough 12	64.39%	33.48%	D+30.9	55.45%	38.05%	D+17.4
Hillsborough 13	48.29%	50.93%	R+2.6	44.88%	50.40%	R+5.5
Hillsborough 14	56.55%	42.10%	D+14.4	50.88%	44.09%	D+6.8
Hillsborough 15	48.02%	50.96%	R+2.9	42.88%	52.66%	R+9.8
Hillsborough 16	55.49%	43.03%	D+12.5	48.76%	46.48%	D+2.3
Hillsborough 17	54.49%	43.95%	D+10.5	49.12%	45.52%	D+3.6
Hillsborough 18	57.60%	40.55%	D+17.1	51.61%	41.96%	D+9.7
Hillsborough 19	52.92%	45.61%	D+7.3	50.14%	44.56%	D+5.6
Hillsborough 20	41.52%	57.38%	R+15.9	39.16%	55.40%	R+16.2
Hillsborough 21	46.21%	52.42%	R+6.2	43.71%	50.48%	R+6.8
Hillsborough 22	46.63%	52.02%	R+5.4	51.38%	44.50%	D+6.9
Hillsborough 23	50.33%	48.21%	D+2.1	46.87%	47.29%	R+0.4
Hillsborough 24	64.73%	34.18%	D+30.5	63.90%	30.29%	D+33.6
Hillsborough 25	38.57%	59.75%	R+21.2	33.32%	60.92%	R+27.6
Hillsborough 26	42.55%	55.51%	R+13	43.31%	49.72%	R+6.4
Hillsborough 27	44.58%	54.24%	R+9.7	49.22%	44.96%	D+4.3
Hillsborough 28	51.78%	47.12%	D+4.7	51.52%	43.49%	D+8
Hillsborough 29	53.71%	44.69%	D+9	52.87%	42.10%	D+10.8
Hillsborough 30	57.36%	41.22%	D+16.1	55.20%	39.35%	D+15.9
Hillsborough 31	70.29%	28.25%	D+42	61.76%	33.21%	D+28.5
Hillsborough 32	50.35%	48.70%	D+1.7	49.00%	45.82%	D+3.2
Hillsborough 33	60.50%	38.18%	D+22.3	54.90%	40.48%	D+14.4
Hillsborough 34	59.45%	39.25%	D+20.2	53.46%	41.66%	D+11.8
Hillsborough 35	56.22%	42.24%	D+14	54.27%	40.42%	D+13.9
Hillsborough 36	54.01%	45.00%	D+9	53.85%	41.74%	D+12.1
Hillsborough 37	42.88%	56.00%	R+13.1	38.52%	56.84%	R+18.3
Hillsborough 38	53.54%	44.49%	D+9	44.99%	48.80%	R+3.8
Hillsborough 39	45.62%	53.01%	R+7.4	39.87%	54.44%	R+14.6
Hillsborough 40	47.23%	51.49%	R+4.3	46.70%	47.55%	R+0.9
Hillsborough 41	40.44%	58.57%	R+18.1	46.70%	48.92%	R+2.2
Hillsborough 42	55.11%	43.57%	D+11.5	55.35%	39.45%	D+15.9
Hillsborough 43	56.66%	41.95%	D+14.7	50.52%	43.99%	D+6.5
Hillsborough 44	48.03%	50.78%	R+2.8	43.34%	51.77%	R+8.4
Hillsborough 45	54.81%	43.58%	D+11.2	50.20%	44.16%	D+6
Merrimack 01	53.02%	45.41%	D+7.6	42.32%	52.96%	R+10.6
Merrimack 02	54.31%	44.00%	D+10.3	36.73%	57.34%	R+20.6
Merrimack 03	55.56%	43.47%	D+12.1	39.58%	55.04%	R+15.5
Merrimack 04	55.42%	43.81%	D+11.6	52.24%	42.61%	D+9.6
Merrimack 05	53.31%	45.83%	D+7.5	55.48%	40.29%	D+15.2
Merrimack 06	57.05%	41.42%	D+15.6	51.32%	42.38%	D+8.9
Merrimack 07	55.87%	42.59%	D+13.3	46.94%	47.59%	R+0.6
Merrimack 08	55.46%	42.48%	D+13	44.76%	49.92%	R+5.2
Merrimack 09	50.97%	47.80%	D+3.2	40.54%	54.47%	R+13.9
Merrimack 10	63.13%	36.11%	D+27	62.90%	32.80%	D+30.1
Merrimack 11	66.72%	32.13%	D+34.6	53.64%	39.79%	D+13.9
Merrimack 12	64.23%	34.54%	D+29.7	51.69%	42.78%	D+8.9
Merrimack 13	64.82%	33.92%	D+30.9	59.43%	34.64%	D+24.8
Merrimack 14	71.14%	27.32%	D+43.8	64.85%	29.65%	D+35.2
Merrimack 15	71.15%	26.95%	D+44.2	60.00%	32.93%	D+27.1
Merrimack 16	67.43%	31.63%	D+35.8	64.52%	30.86%	D+33.7
Merrimack 17	62.62%	35.84%	D+26.8	52.25%	43.40%	D+8.8
Merrimack 18	60.79%	37.53%	D+23.3	58.77%	37.30%	D+21.5
Merrimack 19	57.25%	42.28%	D+15	55.71%	39.72%	D+16
Merrimack 20	52.29%	46.38%	D+5.9	44.45%	50.14%	R+5.7
Merrimack 21	47.97%	50.53%	R+2.6	35.38%	58.70%	R+23.3
Merrimack 22	53.02%	45.27%	D+7.8	39.89%	54.91%	R+15
Merrimack 23	49.49%	49.60%	R+0.1	48.35%	46.77%	D+1.6
Merrimack 24	45.11%	53.94%	R+8.8	42.90%	52.75%	R+9.9
Merrimack 25	54.44%	44.00%	D+10.4	44.63%	50.27%	R+5.6
Merrimack 26	53.45%	45.27%	D+8.2	40.95%	53.87%	R+12.9
Merrimack 27	67.60%	31.09%	D+36.5	59.08%	35.11%	D+24
Merrimack 28	59.88%	38.97%	D+20.9	55.54%	40.14%	D+15.4
Merrimack 29	49.62%	48.82%	D+0.8	36.85%	57.47%	R+20.6
Rockingham 01	49.30%	48.93%	D+0.4	40.91%	53.66%	R+12.7
Rockingham 02	43.25%	55.32%	R+12.1	39.04%	55.08%	R+16
Rockingham 03	45.86%	52.73%	R+6.9	35.92%	58.92%	R+23
Rockingham 04	38.97%	59.98%	R+21	35.98%	58.88%	R+22.9
Rockingham 05	43.30%	55.72%	R+12.4	42.48%	52.23%	R+9.8
Rockingham 06	47.02%	51.58%	R+4.6	40.35%	54.61%	R+14.3
Rockingham 07	35.86%	63.20%	R+27.3	40.03%	55.08%	R+15
Rockingham 08	41.71%	57.35%	R+15.6	37.96%	58.25%	R+20.3
Rockingham 09	50.52%	47.82%	D+2.7	41.05%	53.47%	R+12.4
Rockingham 10	42.18%	56.03%	R+13.8	35.62%	58.73%	R+23.1
Rockingham 11	44.96%	53.52%	R+8.6	44.81%	49.59%	R+4.8
Rockingham 12	41.51%	57.26%	R+15.8	33.53%	61.60%	R+28.1
Rockingham 13	40.58%	58.29%	R+17.7	37.33%	58.03%	R+20.7
Rockingham 14	39.31%	59.79%	R+20.5	37.74%	57.86%	R+20.1
Rockingham 15	43.64%	55.14%	R+11.5	36.47%	58.63%	R+22.2
Rockingham 16	41.21%	57.42%	R+16.2	42.69%	51.74%	R+9
Rockingham 17	59.63%	39.06%	D+20.6	57.87%	35.55%	D+22.3
Rockingham 18	58.43%	40.65%	D+17.8	59.62%	35.53%	D+24.1
Rockingham 19	49.84%	49.51%	D+0.3	53.39%	41.28%	D+12.1
Rockingham 20	44.63%	54.16%	R+9.5	37.41%	58.83%	R+21.4
Rockingham 21	50.08%	49.04%	D+1	48.75%	47.26%	D+1.5
Rockingham 22	47.95%	51.10%	R+3.1	49.79%	46.16%	D+3.6
Rockingham 23	52.14%	46.98%	D+5.2	52.47%	43.00%	D+9.5
Rockingham 24	50.12%	49.39%	D+0.7	56.35%	38.89%	D+17.5
Rockingham 25	68.89%	29.87%	D+39	66.32%	28.45%	D+37.9
Rockingham 26	72.98%	25.74%	D+47.2	73.61%	21.74%	D+51.9
Rockingham 27	64.85%	34.27%	D+30.6	63.53%	32.39%	D+31.1
Rockingham 28	60.02%	38.86%	D+21.2	59.97%	35.44%	D+24.5
Rockingham 29	69.59%	29.22%	D+40.4	72.61%	22.24%	D+50.4
Rockingham 30	68.27%	30.52%	D+37.8	68.59%	26.51%	D+42.1
Rockingham 31	54.36%	44.74%	D+9.6	54.56%	41.21%	D+13.4
Rockingham 32	44.67%	53.82%	R+9.2	39.48%	54.75%	R+15.3
Rockingham 33	42.89%	55.59%	R+12.7	37.94%	56.69%	R+18.8
Rockingham 34	39.95%	59.03%	R+19.1	37.53%	57.94%	R+20.4
Rockingham 35	42.24%	56.45%	R+14.2	39.98%	54.75%	R+14.8
Rockingham 36	56.73%	42.29%	D+14.4	57.60%	36.89%	D+20.7
Rockingham 37	48.04%	50.95%	R+2.9	44.51%	51.58%	R+7.1
Strafford 01	48.75%	50.13%	R+1.4	35.25%	60.22%	R+25
Strafford 02	51.40%	47.54%	D+3.9	36.35%	57.58%	R+21.2
Strafford 03	47.32%	51.46%	R+4.1	40.59%	54.50%	R+13.9
Strafford 04	52.31%	46.10%	D+6.2	45.48%	47.28%	R+1.8
Strafford 05	62.83%	35.70%	D+27.1	62.31%	31.50%	D+30.8
Strafford 06	67.21%	31.38%	D+35.8	66.91%	26.94%	D+40
Strafford 07	50.60%	48.16%	D+2.4	40.65%	53.40%	R+12.8
Strafford 08	55.88%	42.23%	D+13.6	45.29%	48.25%	R+3
Strafford 09	49.30%	49.18%	D+0.1	42.00%	52.05%	R+10
Strafford 10	49.80%	50.20%	R+0.4	39.95%	53.81%	R+13.9
Strafford 11	55.46%	42.81%	D+12.6	44.20%	50.19%	R+6
Strafford 12	50.14%	48.46%	D+1.7	40.49%	54.35%	R+13.9
Strafford 13	68.70%	28.98%	D+39.7	66.80%	26.28%	D+40.5
Strafford 14	67.11%	30.68%	D+36.4	64.57%	29.05%	D+35.5
Strafford 15	54.91%	44.04%	D+10.9	57.11%	37.82%	D+19.3
Strafford 16	59.55%	39.10%	D+20.4	57.02%	37.26%	D+19.8
Strafford 17	56.04%	42.20%	D+13.8	52.96%	41.40%	D+11.6
Strafford 18	57.02%	41.58%	D+15.4	49.53%	44.78%	D+4.7
Strafford 19	67.90%	29.83%	D+38.1	65.66%	27.70%	D+38
Strafford 20	57.15%	41.65%	D+15.5	57.07%	37.55%	D+19.5
Strafford 21	56.53%	41.89%	D+14.6	51.26%	43.07%	D+8.2
Strafford 22	53.05%	45.41%	D+7.6	42.70%	51.12%	R+8.4
Strafford 23	49.55%	49.68%	R+0.1	41.01%	52.90%	R+11.9
Strafford 24	52.66%	45.78%	D+6.9	42.27%	52.35%	R+10.1
Strafford 25	55.93%	42.53%	D+13.4	51.10%	42.01%	D+9.1
Sullivan 01	59.33%	39.57%	D+19.8	58.58%	36.97%	D+21.6
Sullivan 02	45.26%	53.24%	R+8	42.16%	52.60%	R+10.4
Sullivan 03	61.19%	36.84%	D+24.4	46.58%	46.52%	D+0.1
Sullivan 04	59.23%	39.98%	D+19.2	45.68%	48.73%	R+3
Sullivan 05	60.21%	38.24%	D+22	45.52%	50.24%	R+4.7
Sullivan 06	51.90%	46.27%	D+5.6	36.91%	57.77%	R+20.9
Sullivan 07	51.89%	46.60%	D+5.3	39.48%	55.54%	R+16.1
Sullivan 08	60.59%	37.99%	D+22.6	44.93%	50.02%	R+5.1
Sullivan 09	53.91%	44.67%	D+9.2	48.09%	47.01%	D+1.1
Sullivan 10	60.11%	38.50%	D+21.6	45.88%	48.62%	R+2.7
Sullivan 11	55.93%	42.60%	D+13.3	41.97%	53.01%	R+11
Total	52.17%	46.57%	D+5.6	47.60%	47.22%	D+0.4
Source: Daily Kos

District analysis

See also: The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index

See also: FiveThirtyEight's elasticity scores

The 2017 Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district was R+2, meaning that in the previous two presidential elections, this district's results were 2 percentage points more Republican than the national average. This made New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District the 225th most Republican nationally.

FiveThirtyEight's September 2018 elasticity score for states and congressional districts measured "how sensitive it is to changes in the national political environment." This district's elasticity score was 1.19. This means that for every 1 point the national political mood moved toward a party, the district was expected to move 1.19 points toward that party.

See also

• United States House of Representatives elections in New Hampshire, 2018
• United States House elections in New Hampshire (September 11, 2018 Democratic primaries)
• New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District election (September 11, 2018 Republican primary)
• United States House of Representatives elections, 2018

Footnotes

[show]

New Hampshire's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Maggie Hassan (D)

Jeanne Shaheen (D)

Representatives

District 1

Chris Pappas (D)

District 2

Maggie Goodlander (D)

Democratic Party (4)

Ballotpedia

About

Overview • What people are saying • Support Ballotpedia • Contact • Contribute • Job opportunities

---

Executive: Leslie Graves, Founder and CEO • Gwen Beattie, Chief Operating Officer

Communications: Alison Graves, Director of Communications • Carley Allensworth • Abigail Campbell • Frank Festa • Sarah Groat • Nathaniel Harwood • Dillon Redmond
External Relations: Geoff Pallay, Director of External Relations • Ken Carbullido, Vice President of Election Product and Technology Strategy • Ashley Fleming • Thomas Mardik • Hannah Nelson
Operations: Meghann Olshefski, Director of Operations • Amanda Herbert • Mandy Morris • Caroline Presnell • Kelly Rindfleisch
Tech: Matt Latourelle, Director of Technology Operations • Ryan Burch • Kirsten Corrao • Beth Dellea • Travis Eden • Tate Kamish • Margaret Kearney • Eric Lotto • Joseph Sanchez • Mary Susmitha

Contributors: Scott Rasmussen

---

Editorial Content

Josh Altic, Director of Content • Daniel Anderson, Associate Director of Elections & Data • Cory Eucalitto, Associate Director of Features • Ryan Byrne, Managing Editor of Ballot Measures • Mandy McConnell, Managing Editor of News • Doug Kronaizl, Managing Editor of Local Expansion • Abbey Smith, Managing Editor of Elections • Janie Valentine, Managing Editor of Law • Joel Williams. Managing Editor of Events • Andrew Bahl • Jaclyn Beran • Marielle Bricker • Joseph Brusgard • Emma Burlingame • Kelly Coyle • Jon Dunn • Thomas Ellis • Nicole Fisher • Joseph Greaney • Thomas Grobben • Brianna Hosea • Molly Kehoe • Tyler King • Glorie Martinez • Norm Leahy, Senior Editor • Nathan Maxwell • Jimmy McAllister • Brandon McCauley • Ellie Mikus • Ellen Morrissey • Mackenzie Murphy • Kaley Platek • Samantha Post • Adam Powell • Annelise Reinwald • Ethan Rice • Spencer Richardson • Victoria Rose • Briana Ryan • Myj Saintyl • Maddy Salucka • Emma Soukup • Alexis Thacker • Mina Vogel • Samuel Wonacott • Trenton Woodcox