According to a local television station, a Democratic representative from New Hampshire, who has served six terms, has announced that she will not run for re-election this year. Rep. Annie Kuster confirmed to WMUR-TV in Manchester that she intends to complete her current term and retire from the House when the 119th Congress is inaugurated in January.
“The congresswoman’s announcement sends a shockwave through New Hampshire politics, creating an open race for the 2nd Congressional District seat she has held since 2013,” the outlet reported.
“NH-02 covers a wide and diverse swath of the state from Nashua to the Canadian border, and it’s possible several Democrats will step forward to run,” it explained.
Kuster, aged 67, has been at the helm of the New Democrat Coalition, a faction characterized by the outlet as “centrist” and “pro-business” – terms not commonly associated with any politician bearing a “D” in recent times.
Kuster confirmed to WMUR that she will maintain her leadership of the group, although it remains uncertain whether she intends to lead it for the duration of her current term or beyond. The former possibility could be inferred from Kuster’s expressed desire for a life with her family, separate from the realm of politics.
“I spent a lot of time with my family this winter, and we did a lot of skiing and traveling, and I’ve realized I have a life, and my husband Brad has been very patient,” she told WMUR.
“I want to spend time with my sons as they’re heading into their married lives — and hopefully grandchildren on the way one day,” she added.
Conversely, she appeared to show an inclination towards backing other Democratic officials, despite no longer being part of the party herself.
“And I really want to lean in on helping my colleagues and these fantastic candidates that we’ve recruited,” she told the outlet.
Kuster has gained recognition as an advocate for various causes, according to WMUR. One of these causes is the “opioid crisis,” for which she collaborated with former Republican Rep. Frank Guinta to establish a congressional task force. Additionally, she openly discussed her personal experiences as a sexual assault survivor, recounting an incident from her time as a legislative assistant on Capitol Hill at the age of 23.
“Ending Sexual Violence” is one of 12 “Key Issues” listed on her House web page, along with “Addressing the Addiction and Mental Health Crisis,” “Supporting Small Businesses,” and several others.
“As founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force, I have pushed for comprehensive legislation to address this crisis and expand access to treatment and recovery services,” Kuster said, according to WMUR.
“As founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence, I have worked across the aisle to tackle the scourge of sexual violence and equip survivors with the support they need to recover,” she added.
