25-06-2025
Republican Bright launches second bid in 1st Congressional District
Republican Bright launches 2nd bid in 1st Congressional District
Chris Bright, 49, of Derry, announced he's again running for the Republican Party nomination in the 1st Congressional District. In 2024, he finished fourth in that GOP primary.
Chris Bright, an Army combat veteran and business owner from Derry, kicked off his second bid for the 1st Congressional District on Tuesday.
Bright, 49, becomes the first Republican officially vying for the seat that four-term Democratic congressman Chris Pappas is vacating to run for the U.S. Senate next year.
'We need fewer keyboard warriors and more mission-driven leaders,' Bright said in his announcement remarks. '... This country has its challenges, and I am tired of the fighting and dysfunction. There is a better way and I'm running to lead smarter and to secure the future for our children and grandchildren."
In a crowded GOP primary in 2024, Bright finished fourth with roughly half as many votes as the primary winner, former Executive Councilor and state Sen. Russell Prescott of Kingston.
Two other Republicans who ran in 2024, primary runner-up Hollie Noveletsky of Greenland and third-place finisher Manchester Alderman Joe Kelly Levasseur, have both said they are considering another run next year.
Portsmouth health advocate Stefany Shaheen, Marine veteran Maura Sullivan of Portsmouth and Harvard professor Carleigh Beriont of Hampton are all seeking the Democratic nomination.
During a three-minute video Bright released, he spoke about his near-bankruptcy in 2014 which led to him spending a New Hampshire winter without electricity.
'I decided then do I give up or do I fight back?' Bright asked rhetorically. 'I chose to fight.'
Bright founded American Facilities Professionals in 2018 and in 2023 it was recognized by Inc. magazine as one of the country's 5,000 fastest-growing private companies.
Republican Bright launches 2nd bid in 1st Congressional District
Republican congressional candidate Chris Bright, center, is pictured with sons Kevin, left, and Ryan, right.
In his announcement, Bright makes no mention of President Donald Trump, whom he endorsed in 2024 after having backed former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.
At the time, Bright had said Haley had 'less baggage than Trump."
He also criticized Trump for firing H.R. McMaster as his national security adviser; Bright studied under McMaster at West Point.
Bright and his wife Amy are the parents of four children: Ryan who is serving in the U.S. Navy with an upcoming deployment to South Korea; Kevin, who recently graduated from Pinkerton Academy; and twin daughters Caroline and Kate, who attend school in the Derry Cooperative School District, according to the campaign announcement.
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