Moultonborough, N.H. — A new candidate has entered the race for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District. Christian Urrutia, an executive at Airbnb and a captain in the New Hampshire Army National Guard, has announced his candidacy, aiming to revitalize the district’s Democratic representation.
Urrutia, who grew up in Hudson as the son of immigrants, has previously held a legal position in the Biden administration and worked with various international law firms. In a video unveiling his campaign, he criticized the current political landscape, asserting that it is dominated by money and insider connections, ultimately failing to improve accessibility to housing, health care, and childcare for average Americans.
“We have a system where influence is hoarded by a select few, while the broader public bears the consequences,” Urrutia stated in his announcement. He emphasized that he does not intend to engage in the existing political game but rather to challenge it. Urrutia called on voters to seek new perspectives rather than relying on familiar names from the past, declaring that reforms are necessary to address the pressing issues of today.
Urrutia joins a competitive Democratic primary field that includes notable candidates such as former Portsmouth city councilor Stefany Shaheen, the daughter of Senator Jeanne Shaheen; New Hampshire Democratic Party Vice Chair Maura Sullivan; and Hampton selectboard member Carleigh Beriont. Additionally, State Representative Alice Wade from Dover has begun an exploratory committee for her candidacy.
The race for the 1st Congressional District is particularly open following Democratic U.S. Representative Chris Pappas’s decision to pursue the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Jeanne Shaheen, who plans to retire after her term. Pappas has served four terms in the House, and both local and national Republicans view this district as a potential target for regaining control.
Currently, Chris Bright, a businessman and veteran who previously ran in the GOP primary, is the only Republican candidate officially entered in the race, while others are still weighing their options. The contest is shaping up to be a significant battle, given the district’s history and the stakes involved.
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