Former senior White House aide Maggie Goodlander, a Democrat with strong political ties, has declared her candidacy for Congress in New Hampshire. Goodlander, who is married to President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, is vying to succeed U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster in the state’s 2nd Congressional District. Kuster had earlier announced that she would not seek re-election for a seventh term.
At 37 years old, Goodlander, a native of Nashua, recently returned to her hometown from Washington, where she held prominent positions in the Justice Department and the White House. Her professional background includes serving as a top antitrust official, counsel to Attorney General Merrick Garland, and working in the White House chief of staff’s office.
Goodlander, who previously served as an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve and taught constitutional law at the University of New Hampshire and Dartmouth College, emphasized her commitment to challenging powerful entities like right-wing judges, extreme politicians, and big corporations in her campaign announcement.
In a personal revelation, Goodlander shared her experience of losing a baby last year, which she said reinforced her dedication to advocating for reproductive rights. She also highlighted her mother, Betty Tamposi, who ran for the same congressional seat in 1988.
Several candidates from both the Democratic and Republican parties have entered the race for the 2nd Congressional District, which covers the western portion of New Hampshire, including cities like Concord and Nashua. Goodlander joins Democrats Colin Van Ostern and state Sen. Becky Whitley in the primary race, while Republicans Lily Tang Williams and Vikram Mansharamani are also competing for the seat.
The White House confirmed Goodlander's departure from her position, ensuring that her husband, Jake Sullivan, will adhere to regulations prohibiting government employees from engaging in political activities. The primary election is scheduled for September 10, with the general election to follow.
