Pappas, Manzur have different approaches in race for Democratic nomination for Senate
WMUR | MANCHESTER, N.H. —
After four months with the Democratic field to himself, U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas now has primary competition in the race for U.S. Senate.
Scientists Karishma Manzur launched her campaign earlier this month. Pappas said he's taking the challenge seriously, but his campaign strategy will stay the same.
"It doesn't change what we're about, Pappas said. "Look, this is a free country, and everyone who has something to say should absolutely get out there and say it, but we run every campaign like we're 10 votes behind."
Manzur, of Exeter, is already drawing contrasts with the congressman. On health care, she supports government-funded Medicare for all.
"Congressman Pappas and I are both very nice people, but we have some differences, right?" she said. "And so, let's talk about the policy. Unlike Congressman Pappas, I'm not going to bend my knee to big money. I'm going to listen to the people of New Hampshire."
Support for Israel and the war in Gaza are likely to be major points of contention.
"The conflict in Gaza – if you want to call it a conflict, but it's really a genocide – it is unacceptable," Manzur said.
While Manzur takes a more progressive, populist approach, Pappas is touting results and electability.
"People will be free to speak their minds and say what they stand for," Pappas said. "I know what I stand for. It's delivering for the people of New Hampshire. It's lowering costs. It's standing up against the Trump Administration. I have a track record of being able to do that and a track record of winning tough elections."
"This seat belongs to the people of New Hampshire – 1.4 million people own this seat," Manzur said. "It does not belong to the Democratic establishment. It does not belong to the Republican establishment. It doesn't belong to the Democratic billionaires or the Republican billionaires. This belongs to all of us."