Republican businessman Anthony DiLorenzo won the GOP primary for New Hampshire’s 1st U.S. House district on Tuesday, securing the nomination to challenge Democratic incumbent Rep. Chris Pappas in November. DiLorenzo defeated Hollie Noveletsky, former vice chair of the New Hampshire Republican Party, and state Rep. Brian Cole, according to the Associated Press.
The Granite State’s 1st Congressional District, which includes Manchester and parts of southern New Hampshire, is rated D+2 on the Cook Partisan Voting Index, indicating a slight Democratic lean. Pappas, the current representative, is running for U.S. Senate, leaving the seat open in the November general election.
Immediate Impact of the Primary Outcome
DiLorenzo’s victory marks a key endorsement success for former President Donald Trump, who publicly backed him in July via Truth Social. Trump described DiLorenzo as a “very successful Businessman and Entrepreneur” and an “America First Patriot.” The primary results reinforce Trump’s influence in GOP primaries, though his endorsements do not guarantee victory in every race.
Noveletsky, who received 26.8% of the vote, and Cole finished behind DiLorenzo, who captured 51.5% of the vote, according to AP results. The race had drawn attention due to its competitive nature in a district that could influence control of the U.S. House, where Republicans hold a narrow majority.
Key Issues and Campaign Dynamics
During the campaign, DiLorenzo faced scrutiny over his stance on immigration policy. In a podcast appearance, he suggested that deportation efforts should prioritize felons and violent criminals over non-criminal undocumented immigrants. Noveletsky and Cole criticized this position in debates, including a recent forum hosted by WMUR.
The primary also highlighted local vs. national dynamics in the GOP. While Trump’s endorsement carried weight, some voters and activists emphasized grassroots support for alternative candidates. Polling conducted by the University of New Hampshire in late August showed Noveletsky leading DiLorenzo by 3 points, underscoring the unpredictability of the race.
What Comes Next
DiLorenzo will now face Pappas in the November 5 general election, where the district’s partisan lean could play a decisive role. The outcome may influence broader GOP strategies in battleground races nationwide, particularly in districts with narrow margins.
Pappas, a Democrat, has represented the district since 2019 and previously defeated Trump-backed candidate Karoline Leavitt by less than 10% in 2022. His Senate campaign adds another layer of competitiveness to the November matchup.