6 days ago
Hampton teacher, organizer enters Democratic Congressional primary
A Harvard University Kennedy School of Government teacher and Hampton school board member has launched her Democratic primary candidacy for the to-be-vacant 1st Congressional District seat.
Carleigh Beriont, 36, said she's offering her candidacy as an alternative to a pair of establishment Democrats already in the race — Stefany Shaheen, the eldest daughter of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and state Party Vice Chairman Maura Sullivan of Portsmouth.
'What this district needs most is someone who shows up, listens, and fights for the people they serve,' Beriont said. 'I'm running for Congress because why not? Regular people deserve a seat at the table, too. I'm a mom, a local leader, and a fighter. I know what our families are going through, because I live it too.'
The seat is being vacated by four-term U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., who is running for the U.S. Senate seat that Jeanne Shaheen will retire from at the end of 2026.
Beriont said her teaching at Harvard focuses on the 'intersection of public policy, religion and history.'
She first began her educational career in the Marshall Islands before going on to earn master's and doctorate degrees from Harvard.
She led a successful effort for graduate student workers to unionize at Harvard.
'Policy is about people,' Beriont said. 'Whether it's making sure every kid gets to school with breakfast, fighting corporate polluters, or protecting reproductive rights — this is personal. I'm not here to play politics. I'm here to get things done.'
Since moving to the Seacoast in 2016, Beriont said she's been involved in her community, helping to elect Democrats along with winning her own election to the Hampton Select Board on which she serves as vice chairman.
A native of Red Bank, New Jersey, Beriont lives in Hampton with her husband (a public middle school teacher), their two kids and two dogs.
She said she's determined to build a grassroots coalition across the district, grounded in listening, local engagement, and bold, people-first solutions.
'I'm not a career politician — I'm a mom, an educator, a neighbor. I've spent my life standing up for people who don't always have a voice in the room,' she added. 'Now, I'm ready to bring that same fight to Washington — not for the powerful, but for the rest of us.'
The only Republican who has said he'll seek the seat next year is Chris Bright, a businessman and veteran who ran in the 2024 GOP primary and finished in fourth place.
klandrigan@
