Goodlander defeats Van Ostern in 2nd Congressional District Democratic primary

Maggie Goodlander (left) and Colin Van Ostern face off in a debate at New England College ahead of the Sept. 10 primary for the Democratic nomination for New Hampshire's 2nd Congressional District on Sept. 4, 2024. (Ethan DeWitt | New Hampshire Bulletin)

Maggie Goodlander, a former Biden administration official with national party establishment backing, won a heated race Tuesday for the Democratic nomination in the 2nd Congressional District.

Goodlander defeated former two-term Executive Councilor Colin Van Ostern, who was endorsed by incumbent six-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster. The Associated Press called the race at 8:41 p.m.

With 40 percent of the vote counted, Goodlander captured 61 percent of the vote over Van Ostern’s 38 percent in a district made up of the western chunk of the state.

Goodlander and Van Ostern attacked each other sharply in the weeks leading up to the primary, sparring more over background than policy. Goodlander argued her Washington connections would help her be effective in Congress; Van Ostern said she was disconnected from the district.

Goodlander, a Nashua native, rented a home in the district around the time of her candidacy. She had the support of national party figures such as Hillary Clinton, who publicly endorsed her. Boosted by out-of-state donors, she had a million-dollar fundraising edge over Van Ostern. Her husband, Jake Sullivan, is President Biden’s national security adviser.

Goodlander will advance to the general election on Nov. 5.