Karishma Manzur launches Democratic bid for US Senate in N.H.

Boston Globe | By Steven Porter Globe Staff

Karishma Manzur, a progressive nonprofit leader and medical scientist from Exeter, N.H., launched a campaign for US Senate on Wednesday, making her the first to challenge Chris Pappas for the 2026 Democratic nomination.

In a video announcing her candidacy, Manzur said her family had fled political persecution, found safety in the United States, and grappled with the economic pressures that force working-class Americans to make difficult choices.

“I don’t come from wealth, power, or a famous name,” she said. “But I’m living proof that the American dream is still possible and still worth fighting for.”

In an interview, Manzur disputed the notion that she is “challenging” Pappas. Instead, she said she is happy to see him in the wide-open race for the seat that retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen currently occupies.

“I wish him the best of luck, and I’m going to run on my platform,” she said.

Manzur said she supports Medicare for all, livable wages, affordable housing, and child care subsidies. She framed her candidacy as an effort to “break the grip of big money” on politics, by electing someone who “can’t be bought.”

“It’s New Hampshire versus the billionaires,” she said.

Pappas campaign manager Rachel Petri said the congressman has a strong record and an established base of support.

“He is grounded in the communities and values of New Hampshire and is working every day to stand up to the Trump Administration, political extremists, and corporate interests to put our state and country on the right path for the future,” Petri said in an email, describing Pappas as “a proven fighter for New Hampshire.”

Manzur’s launch video didn’t criticize Pappas by name, but it alluded to his handling of concerns about Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. When the voiceover said New Hampshire “deserves a leader who listens to the people, not silences them‚” the video showed a photo of five people staging a sit-in at Pappas’ office in Dover, where the demonstrators called on the congressman to push for a ceasefire.

In recent months, Pappas has expressed support for ceasefire negotiations, while continuing to endorse efforts to aid in Israel’s defense. He has promoted a two-state solution, and expressed a sense of horror at reports of widespread starvation and famine in Gaza. He also joined colleagues in sending a letter in May to urge President Trump to call on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to restore the flow of humanitarian aid.

The topic is one where Manzur has struck a more pointed tone. She has written op-eds criticizing US support for Israel, whose ongoing operations in Gaza have been described as genocidal by some rights groups. Her campaign launch video features multiple people wearing keffiyeh scarves, often used to express support for Palestinians.

Manzur’s campaign website says members of New Hampshire’s congressional delegation are among those who have failed to take meaningful action to stop the “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza. It says she will speak out “against war profiteering and forced starvation when others stay silent,” and will oppose sending US weapons to foreign entities that violate human rights.

Manzur previously served on the board for New Hampshire Peace Action, a nonprofit critical of the war in Gaza and elsewhere. She currently serves on the boards for NH Ranked Choice Voting and Open Democracy.

In the interview, Manzur said the conflict in Gaza is an important foreign policy topic, though she doesn’t expect it to be top of mind for every Granite Stater she meets. She plans to visit voters in every city and town across the state and gather insights about the challenges frustrating their day-to-day lives.

“I want to be a public servant that actually listens to the voters,” she said.

That “old-fashioned” grassroots approach is how she hopes to build enough momentum to overtake candidates who may have deeper pockets and higher name recognition than her, she said.

“The other candidates may raise more money than us, but ... we are not trying to out-raise them,” she said. “We’re just trying to take our platform to the voters and let them decide which candidate they prefer.”

New Hampshire GOP Chairman James MacEachern released a statement suggesting Manzur’s entry into the race is a sign that Pappas is struggling to consolidate support within the Democratic Party.

“New Hampshire liberals are smelling blood in the water after the failed anointment of Chris Pappas as their hand-picked nominee,” MacEachern said.

Pappas, who currently represents New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, was the first person to declare his Senate candidacy, in April, after Shaheen announced in March she wouldn’t seek reelection. He secured Shaheen’s endorsement within the first few weeks of his candidacy, and his campaign reportedly had more than $2 million cash on hand, as of June 30.

The leading contenders for the Republican nomination, meanwhile, are former US senator Scott. P. Brown and state Senator Daniel E. Innis, who are both aligning themselves with President Trump.

The primary election is still more than a year away, in September 2026.

This story has been updated to include additional comments from Karishma Manzur, the Chris Pappas campaign, and the New Hampshire GOP.