Goodlander wins N.H. 2nd District seat in 2026 midterm vote
The 39-year-old Democrat secures a second term against Republican Lily Tang Williams, who ran on a platform of limited government and fiscal responsibility.
By Julia Wang ·
The Associated Press called the race for New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District at 11:05 p.m. on Tuesday.
Democratic incumbent Maggie Goodlander defeated Republican challenger Lily Tang Williams to retain the seat. This marked the second time the two candidates faced each other in this district. In 2024, Goodlander won by a margin of 53 percent to 47 percent. This cycle included independent candidate Robbie Mahrou, who trailed significantly in polling and the final vote tally.
The district covers the western half of the state, including Nashua and Concord. Analysts view it as leaning Democratic, a dynamic that aligns with the current midterm election trends. Goodlander, 39, gained national attention during her first term after joining five other Democratic lawmakers in a video urging military personnel to refuse illegal orders. The Trump administration sought to indict the group. Before entering Congress, Goodlander served in the Biden White House and the U.S. Department of Justice. She is married to Jake Sullivan, who served as National Security Advisor under President Biden.
Tang Williams, 62, campaigned as a defender of individual liberty. She described her journey from communist China to the United States as a pursuit of educational opportunity. Her political history includes a libertarian run for the U.S. Senate in Colorado. Supporters cited her focus on reducing government size and protecting personal responsibility. Lisa Ward, a 65-year-old Republican retiree from Pittsfield, explained her vote for Tang Williams by referencing concerns about socialism evolving into communism. Ward stated that voters should desire more than government care for their basic needs.
Samantha Morse, 29, a Republican running for reelection as register of deeds in Merrimack County, also backed Tang Williams. Morse stood near a Turning Point USA tent at the Concord Ward 3 polling place on election day. She described a personal friendship formed during the campaign, noting that they attended many events together. Morse praised Tang Williams for being vocal and passionate in her advocacy for limited government.
Tom Croteau, 73, a retired middle school principal in Concord, voted for Goodlander. He identified as a Democrat and described the incumbent as a hard worker who deserved the win. The election concludes the competitive race for the western New Hampshire congressional seat. Goodlander will return to Washington for a second term, while Tang Williams continues her advocacy for free enterprise and personal responsibility in the state.
