The Campaign Launch

Elizabeth Girard, who played a pivotal role as co-chair of Trump’s 2024 campaign in the Granite State, has officially kicked off her campaign for the open 1st Congressional District seat. This district has not been held by Republicans for over a decade, challenging her party to break a long-standing streak of electoral losses.

In a statement shared exclusively with Fox News Digital, Girard expressed her determination, stating, “I’ll work with President Trump and my colleagues to deliver tangible results and ensure our state’s future stays bright for generations to come.” Her campaign video emphasizes a commitment to serving the people of New Hampshire and bringing their voice to Washington.

A Key Target for Republicans

The 1st Congressional District, which spans from Manchester to Portsmouth and reaches north to the White Mountains, has become a primary target for Republican strategists. As the GOP aims to bolster and potentially expand their slender majority in the House, capturing this district is seen as critical in the lead-up to the midterm elections.

Historically, this district has been a competitive battleground; however, Democrats have secured victories in the last five elections. The most recent representative, Chris Pappas, has successfully retained the seat, but with his current campaign for the Senate, the opportunity arises for Girard and other Republican candidates to seize the moment.

Strategic Priorities and Campaign Focus

In her campaign announcement, Girard outlined her primary goals if elected. Her agenda focuses on lowering the cost of living and healthcare in New Hampshire, supporting small businesses and innovation, and ensuring that veterans and seniors receive the care they deserve. “I will bring results-driven, commonsense leadership to Washington — and to amplify New Hampshire’s voice,” she pledged, highlighting her commitment to addressing local issues directly.

The Republican Primary Landscape

Girard enters a crowded Republican primary, facing a variety of challengers, including auto dealer and real estate developer Anthony DiLorenzo, former New Hampshire GOP vice chair Hollie Noveletsky, state Rep. Brian Cole, and Bedford Republican Committee Vice Chair Melissa Bailey. The competition will require Girard to leverage her connections and experience in a bid to distinguish herself among a diverse field.

On the Democratic side, the race is equally competitive. Seven candidates are in the running for the party’s nomination, including former Portsmouth city councilor Stefany Shaheen—daughter of current Senator Jeanne Shaheen—and Maura Sullivan, a veteran and former Democratic vice chair in New Hampshire known for her previous run against Pappas in 2018.

Background and Political Experience

Girard is a University of New Hampshire alumna, graduating in 2016. Her political career includes a presidency at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican Women (NHFRW). Notably, she made headlines in December 2023 when she publicly endorsed Trump at a campaign rally, a move that breached the organization’s traditional impartial stance during GOP primaries. This endorsement led to her resignation from her NHFRW leadership position as she transitioned into a prominent role in the Trump campaign.