Maggie Goodlander, Former Biden Admin Lawyer and Wife of NSA Adviser, Enters New Hampshire Congressional Race

Maggie Goodlander, a former top lawyer in Joe Biden’s administration and wife of National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, is expected to announce her candidacy for the open seat in New Hampshire’s Second Congressional District. This follows the retirement of long-serving Representative Annie Kuster. While Goodlander’s congressional campaign may attract national attention and potentially garner high-profile endorsements, she could face scrutiny over Biden administration policies and her residency, as she and her husband primarily live in Washington DC. Goodlander’s family background mirrors that of Kuster, as her grandfather was a prominent Republican and her mother previously ran for office in the same district as a Democrat. If elected, Goodlander would join a Democratic primary field that includes Colin Van Ostern, while Republicans such as Vikram Mansharamani and Lily Tang Williams are also running. Despite living outside the Second District, Goodlander is eligible to run as the US Constitution only requires candidates to reside in their respective states, not districts. Goodlander’s entry into the race could potentially shift the landscape, given her experience as an intelligence officer, adviser to senators, and law clerk to Attorney General Merrick Garland.