Latest news with #MauraSullivan
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Big cash rolling in for Dem contenders for 1st Congressional District seat
The competitive Democratic primary for the to-be-vacant 1st Congressional District seat in New Hampshire could be on its way to setting fundraising records in 2026. Maura Sullivan leads field in campaign cash for competitive 1st C.D Dem primary Maura Sullivan The three declared rivals have already raised nearly $1.5 million between them to try and succeed as Democratic nominee four-term U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, who has declared his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat that Democrat Jeanne Shaheen will retire from next year. Maura Sullivan of Portsmouth, an Iraq War Marine veteran who was an Obama official in the Department of Veteran Affairs, has raised nearly $800,000. A 2018 candidate who finished second to Pappas in an 11-person field, Sullivan said 85% of her donors this time gave $100 or less and nearly 600 donors came from New Hampshire. 'We all know that House Republicans are already targeting this seat in 2026. When they pour millions of dollars into this race, we need a candidate who has the resources to combat their efforts,' Sullivan said in a statement Monday. 'I am proud of the number we raised and of the outpouring of support from grassroots donors. We are the campaign who can put together the resources and the broad coalition necessary to win in this tough district.' Sullivan seeks to be the first female Marine ever elected to Congress and former state Sen. Martha Clark, a two-time nominee for this seat, is in her corner. 'NH-01 is a clear target for Republicans and to keep this seat blue will require significant financial resources,' said Clark, who has for decades been one of the biggest individual donors to the Democratic Party. 'Maura has proven she is the candidate who can raise the resources to hold this critical seat. Maura also has a strong base of support from elected officials and activists across the district.' In 2018, Sullivan reached a joint fundraising agreement with the Serve America Victory Fund — a PAC that supports veteran candidates — to raise about $1.5 million in that race, twice what Pappas had received. The Democrat following close behind Sullivan financially in the race is Stefany Shaheen of Portsmouth, Sen. Shaheen's eldest daughter. The younger Shaheen got into the race later than Sullivan did and raised more than $525,000. Smaller donors Similarly, 82% of Shaheen's contributions were $100 or less and the campaign said it had more than 880 in-state residents who gave to her. 'In the month since Stefany Shaheen launched her campaign surrounded by hundreds of Granite Staters at a series of grassroots events, she raised more than half a million dollars. No one fights harder than a mom for her kids, and that's how she will fight for all New Hampshire families,' said campaign spokeswoman Emma Greenberg. Stefany Shaheen sets modern-day mark for first-time candidate Stefany Shaheen Shaheen's showing was a modern-day mark for a first-time candidate, exceeding what Sullivan had raised — $425,000 — by this time in 2017. In that same primary by this time, Pappas had raised $219,000. The third Democratic candidate, Carleigh Beriont, a Harvard University instructor and vice chair of the Hampton Select Board, raised more than $160,000 from nearly 1,000 individual donors. 'I've been deeply moved by the incredible grassroots support this campaign has received in just the first few weeks since announcing my run for Congress,' Beriont said in a statement. 'I am humbled by the trust that hundreds of people across New Hampshire and throughout our country have placed in me.' New Dem candidate for Congress raises $160k from nearly 1,000 donors Carleigh Beriont Lucas Harrington, a senior advisor to Barrington, said she's less known but qualified, unlike her rivals. 'As the only candidate in this race who has unseated a Republican incumbent or currently serves in elected office, we know that Carleigh is uniquely positioned to hold this seat,' Harrington said. Christian Urrutia, a Moultonborough lawyer and former Pentagon aide, also joined this Democratic primary field last week. Derry businessman Chris Bright and Bedford former CPA Melissa Bailey are the two, declared Republicans running in this district. Several other GOP figures are considering runs of their own next year, including 2024 primary runner-up Hollie Noveletsky of Greenland and Manchester Aldermanic President Joe Kelly Levasseur who finished third in that primary that former Executive Councilor Russ Prescott of Kingston won. klandrigan@
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
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. klandrigan@
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hampton's Carleigh Beriont launches campaign for NH 1st District seat in US House
HAMPTON — Selectwoman Carleigh Beriont has entered the 2026 race for New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District, setting up a competitive Democratic primary showdown that currently includes Stefany Shaheen and Maura Sullivan. Beriont, a Harvard University lecturer and vice chair of the Hampton Select Board, made her announcement on June 4 at a press conference in front of the Hampton town offices. She said she was entering the race to 'fight for working families,' describing herself as 'not a career politician,' but '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,' Beriont said in a press release ahead of her press conference. 'Now I'm ready to bring that same fight to Washington – not for the powerful, but for the rest of us.' U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, D-NH, previously announced he is running for U.S. Senate in 2026 when current U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen's term is set to end. Shaheen is planning to retire after serving three terms. Shaheen's daughter, Stefany Shaheen, a former Portsmouth city councilor, and Maura Sullivan, vice chair of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, have already announced their candidacy to fill Pappas' seat. Beriont says her campaign will focus on building a grassroots coalition across the district 'grounded in listening, local engagement, and bold, people-first solutions.' She is hoping her message will help her defeat candidates with name recognition and better funding. 'I want my kids and all the kids in this district to grow up knowing that there is a seat at the table for them regardless of their last name or how much money they have,' Beriont said. Beriont described herself at her press conference before a small crowd as a mother with concerns like other families in CD1, from rising costs to challenges with insurance companies. 'I worry a lot about whether we are even going to be able to keep living in Hampton, this community that we love so much,' Beriont said. 'Like so many of us, a lot of mornings I wake up angry.' Beriont spoke about her concerns regarding President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration. An adjunct lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School, she voiced concern her students could be targeted by ICE over their political statements, citing instances in which Harvard students were detained for social media posts and essays expressing support for Palestinians. 'I worry about whether one of my students is going to be picked up by ICE and deported because of something they wrote in the campus paper or posted on Instagram,' Beriont said. Beriont is optimistic Democrats will be able to win seats in 2026 following the Republicans winning the presidency and the majority of both chambers of Congress in 2024. She believes cultural divides between the parties can be bridged by her approach as a local elected official. She said Hampton is 'purple,' much like CD1. 'I sit at a table every Monday night with people from very different political parties, and we get together and we make things better for people in this community,' Beriont said. 'I think that's what I want to see down in D.C.' Other potential candidates have expressed interest in running for CD1. State Rep. Alice Wade, D-Dover, announced June 4 she launched an exploratory committee to consider a run for Congress. Wade, a transgender woman, has been a vocal advocate in Concord against legislation Democrats argue restricts trans rights. She is considering a congressional run to champion affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and representation for "everyday people." 'Washington is broken. Too many Granite Staters are working harder than ever but still falling behind,' Wade said in a press release. 'I'm exploring this campaign because our district deserves a representative… who will fight every day to make life better for regular people.' State Sen. Debra Altschiller, D-Stratham, said in April constituents encouraged her to run for CD1 and she was considering it. On June 4, she announced she would not be running for Congress and instead will pursue her third term in the state Senate in 2026. She said she plans to fight budget cuts that will harm community mental health centers, education and the fund supporting the victims of the youth center sexual assaults. 'As I look toward my tenth year of public service, I've spent time reflecting on where I can make the greatest impact - and I am incredibly grateful for the encouragement and support from my colleagues, community members, and supporters throughout this process,' Altschiller said in a press release. 'At this time, my work remains here in the Granite State.' Editor's note: State Sen. Debra Altschiller, D-Stratham, is the wife of Howard Altschiller, Seacoast Media Group's executive editor. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Hampton's Carleigh Beriont running for NH 1st District US House seat
Daily Mail
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Democratic congressional hopeful sparks fury with anti-Trump 'threat' after ex-FBI chief shared similar message
A New Hampshire candidate for Congress seemingly endorsed a potetnially violent anti-Trump message previously shared by ex-FBI Director James Comey. Maura Sullivan, who is running to replace Democrat Chris Pappas in the state's first district as Pappas is aiming to win a Senate seat in 2026, posted to social media from a 'No Kings Day' rally with an anti-Trump protester with the message to '86 47.' The number '86' is seen as slang for eliminating someone and '47' a direct reference to Donald Trump 's presidential number. 'The way to support our veterans is to protect the values we fought for. Freedom from tyranny. Democracy. And a better life for all of us,' Sullivan wrote. Sullivan, a former Marine Corps officer and Pentagon official under Barack Obama, stood next to a man with a poster board reading 'Veterans For Democracy' that include the '86' message, as well as a bumper sticker that read 'Foxtrot Delta Tango.' Those words in the NATO phonetic alphabet spell out 'FDT,' which is often seen as short for 'F*** Donald Trump.' 'Standing in front of a sign advocating for the demise of the President. Now we know what you stand for,' wrote one social media fan of Trump. Owen Girard added: 'Immediately lost the primary with this pic lol.' Maura Sullivan, who is running to replace Democrat Chris Pappas in the state's first district as Pappas is aiming to win a Senate seat in 2026, posted to social media from a 'No Kings Day' rally with an anti-Trump protester with the message to '86 47' One poster noted that just hours earlier, Sullivan had condemned the killing of two Minnesota legislators and decrying politically-motivated bloodshed. 'Less than 8 hours after calling for an end to political violence, future loser @maurasullivan poses with an '86-47 FDT' sign. Hypocrite doesn't even begin to describe it.' Sullivan has yet to comment on the outrage. Former FBI Director Comey found himself under federal investigation for an Instagram post that many in Trump's circle interpreted as a veiled threat against the 47th president's life. The photo was of the seemingly innocuous image of seashells spelling out the numbers '86 47.' But it had a sinister interpretation with the number '86' being slang for eliminate and '47' a direct reference to Donald Trump 's presidential number. Comey, who has since deleted the post, claimed ignorance of the term but his excuse has done little to quell the firestorm. Following the post, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem dispatched agents to interview Comey. He was escorted from his suburban Virginia home and questioned at the Secret Service's Washington field office. 'We vigorously investigate anything that can be taken as a potential threat against our protectees,' said agency spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi. The interview, while reportedly standard, sent shockwaves through Washington. Tulsi Gabbard, now serving as Director of National Intelligence, publicly called for Comey to be jailed. Trump's former FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the Bureau was also supporting the probe. President Trump, already the target of two assassination attempts in the last year, didn't hold back. 'He knew exactly what that meant,' Trump told Fox News. 'A child knows what that meant… If you're the FBI director and you don't know what that meant, that meant assassination, and it says it loud and clear.' Last week Comey said that he and his wife, Patrice, had been returning from a walk on the beach when they came upon some shells organized in a way that resembled the numbers. Comey then issued an apology (above) shortly after it was revealed he was under investigation They speculated over whether it was a home address, or a political message. His wife noted that '86' in some restaurants means they had run out of an ingredient. Comey remembered it was slang for saying something was boring and should be 'ditched.' 'And she said, "You should take a picture of it." So I took a picture of it, and then we walk home and she said, "You should really put that on Instagram. It's kind of a cool thing." I said, "You're right. It's a cool thing,"' he explained. 'Some hours later she (Patrice) said to me, "You know, people on the internet are saying you're calling for the assassination of Donald Trump,"' Comey explained. 'And I said, "Well, if they're saying that, I'm taking it down because I don't want any part of violence.'" Comey pulled the image, but it had already reached the attention of Trump and other administration officials. The enmity between Comey and Trump stretches back years, beginning when Trump fired him in May 2017 amid an FBI investigation into potential ties between Russia and Trump's presidential campaign. That inquiry, later taken over by special counsel Robert Mueller, would ultimately find that while Russia interfered in the 2016 election and the Trump team welcomed the help, there was insufficient evidence to prove a criminal collaboration. Comey later accused Trump of asking for personal loyalty and documented the conversation in a now-infamous memo. Since his firing, Comey has become one of Trump's fiercest critics endorsing Biden in 2020 and Harris in 2024. But this latest incident has thrust their bitter feud into new territory. During his MSNBC interview Comey appeared defiant and said he expects the investigation into his post 'will go away,' because as he put it, 'there's nothing there.' 'Part of the roar of Trump is to freak out his victims, the people he targets,' Comey said. 'So don't give them that. But also don't neglect the threat. Protect yourself.' Pressed on why he continues to speak out publicly, he replied: 'I was… trying to withdraw a little bit… Be a grandfather, be an author… But the reason I'm dressed in my old uniform is to remind myself that's the coward's way. You must stand up and speak.' To conservatives already enraged over the '86 47' post, Comey's warning that Democrats will 'turn the tables' sounded more like a threat, but Comey made no apologies. Comey has written several books since Trump fired him, including the million-selling memoir A Higher Loyalty. More recently, he has taken up fiction, his previous novels including Central Park Drive and Westport.
Fox News
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Republicans criticize Dem congressional candidate's '86 47' post as call for 'political violence'
Republicans in swing state New Hampshire are criticizing the move by a Democratic congressional candidate to post a photo of herself next to an "86 47" sign, which some in the GOP see as a shorthand message suggesting violence against President Donald Trump. Maura Sullivan, a former Marine Corps officer who deployed in the Iraq War and later served at the Pentagon and the Veterans Administration under former President Barack Obama, attended a "No Kings" protest this past weekend in her hometown of Portsmouth, N.H. Demonstrators at thousands of rallies nationwide on Saturday protested what they call the president's anti-democratic actions and authoritarian tendencies. Sullivan, while at the rally, posted on social media a photo of herself standing next to a fellow veteran who was holding a sign that read "Veterans for Democracy." But the sign also included the phrase "Foxtrot Delta Tango," as well as the message "86 47." "Foxtrot Delta Tango" is a military-style phrase in the NATO phonetic alphabet that spells out the letters "FDT," which is seen as a derogatory term towards Trump. While "86" is a term long used in restaurants to signify when they are out of a food item on a menu, or in bars or military circles to get rid of something – or someone. And of late, some Republicans perceive it as a message to have Trump eliminated. The Secret Service continues to investigate former FBI director James Comey after he earlier this year posted on social media an image of seashells arranged to spell "86 47." Comey, following a conservative uproar, took down his post and apologized. The social media post by Sullivan, one of two top Democrats running to succeed Rep. Chris Pappas in New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District, came hours after the horrific shootings of two leading Minnesota Democratic state lawmakers - one of them fatal. State Rep. Melissa Hortman, the former speaker of the Minnesota state House, and her spouse were killed, and Sen. John Hoffman and his spouse were severely wounded in the shootings, which appear to be politically motivated attacks. Sullivan's congressional campaign, in a statement to Fox News, pointed to the Minnesota shootings. "Maura is outraged and heartbroken about the assassination of a public servant in Minnesota. She believes that there is absolutely no place for violence in our politics, regardless of party or affiliation," Sullivan campaign manager Nick London said. London added that on Saturday, "Maura joined thousands of Granite Staters and millions of Americans in peacefully protesting Donald Trump's use of our servicemembers as props for his political agenda. If the President cared about our veterans, he would be focused on improving healthcare at the VA, expanding mental health services and supporting our military families." Republicans in New Hampshire quickly criticized Sullivan over her post. "I knew Maura was cozying up with the extreme radical left, but this is a step too far. Calls for political violence like this have no place in New Hampshire," New Hampshire GOP chair Jim MacEachern said in a statement. And NHGOP vice chair Hollie Novoletsky, who came in second in the 2024 GOP congressional primary in the 1st District, said in a statement, "Whether the target of an assassination is President Trump or a Democrat State Rep in MN, it is unacceptable. You'd think as a 'Veteran for Democracy,' Maura would know that." The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), the campaign arm of the House GOP, which is trying to flip the district for the first time in eight years, went further. "Political violence has no place in our country – and posing with propaganda calling for the assassination of President Trump is dangerous and disqualifying," NRCC spokeswoman Maureen O'Toole argued. "Maura Sullivan must apologize, take down the photo, and take herself out of the running for New Hampshire's First Congressional District."
