Burlington readers watch three tight New Hampshire races

Residents of Burlington are watching three heated contests in New Hampshire that could reshape the state’s leadership and congressional delegation. The races for governor, U.S. Senate, and the 2nd Congressional District have all remained too close to call as voting approaches. These outcomes will influence the political balance in the region, including the number of Democrats in the U.S. House.

In the race for the 2nd Congressional District, Democratic incumbent Maggie Goodlander is running against Republican Lily Tang Williams. This is a rematch of their 2024 contest. Tang Williams, who is better known than in her previous run, asked voters to look past past perceptions. “I want to be judged by my own character, my own humble past and my stories. We want people to really do their own research,” Tang Williams said. Goodlander is seeking a second term and is focusing her campaign on rising costs and President Donald Trump’s policies. “The fact is the headwinds we are facing right now, the high costs for people in New Hampshire, are not without culprits,” Goodlander said.

The U.S. Senate race between Democrat Chris Pappas and Republican John E. Sununu has taken a personal turn. Sununu, who held the seat in the early 2000s, criticized Pappas’s record. “Chris Pappas hasn’t done anything for New Hampshire. He’s attempted very little; he’s accomplished even less,” Sununu said. Pappas pushed back, arguing that the state needs a new direction rather than a return to past leadership. “The solution to the future isn’t going back to a failed politician with failed ideas from the past. It is about literally turning the page,” Pappas said.

Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte is fighting for a second term against Democrat Cinde Warmington. Ayotte is building on her first two years in office, while Warmington is campaigning on a message of change. Warmington pointed to increases in the cost of living. “Kelly Ayotte has driven up the cost of housing, the cost of electricity, the cost of health care in our state and the people are sick and tired of it,” Warmington said. Ayotte countered by warning against adopting policies from neighboring Massachusetts, which she said would lead to higher taxes.

The general election cycle has been fast-paced, driven in part by New Hampshire’s late primary held in September. Common themes on the trail include high costs, a call for change, and the impact of the current presidential administration. Voters in the state are known for splitting their ballots, often choosing candidates from both parties for different offices.

The 2nd District race is particularly relevant for Burlington, as it is the congressional district that represents the city. A change in that seat would alter the state’s delegation in Washington. All three races remain competitive, with candidates citing local economic pressures and national political dynamics as key factors in the final outcome.