New Hampshire — 2nd District

WEST LEBANON, N.H. (WCAX) - The race for New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District is a rematch from two years ago, with Republican Lily Tang Williams facing Democratic incumbent Maggie Goodlander.

“We have worked hard on literally every item in a family’s budget to try to lower costs,” said Maggie Goodlander.

She points to new housing legislation that she calls the most significant in a generation. It’s a rare bipartisan law as overall disapproval ratings for Congress skyrocketed.

“The fact is the headwinds we are facing right now, the real, real drivers of high cost for people in New Hampshire, are not without culprits,” Goodlander said.

The Democrat points the blame directly at President Donald Trump. She says an anti-corruption agenda will be part of her second term. She also says members of Congress should be voting on the Iran war every day it continues. “It is the president of the United States’ decision to launch a war of choice in Iran that has created a global energy crisis and jacked up costs all across the board for hardworking people,” Goodlander said.

Goodlander’s challenger, Lily Tang Williams, acknowledges the rising prices at the gas pump and also questions the ongoing war. “I am peace through strength; I don’t like wars. Wars are expensive, unaffordable, and cost innocent lives. I’d like to say we are at peace. How is he going to achieve that? I don’t know,” Williams said.

She supports other administration policies like securing the border. Immigration is something the Republican knows firsthand, escaping communist China to start a new life in the United States. “I want to be judged by my own character. My own humble past and my stories, and we want people to really do their own research,” Williams said.

Goodlander has consistently led in the polls and is also in front when it comes to cash on hand. Williams’ priorities include real-time transparency and banning earmarks. “I truly believe that if I could just convince the independent voters in my district, trust me, think I’m real deal, and better represent them in D.C., I can win. There is a path to victory,” Williams said.

Goodlander made national headlines in her first term when she joined colleagues in a video urging military members not to follow illegal orders. She is a former intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve. “In our country, our military doesn’t blindly follow orders; our military follows the law. And repeating that principle is part of my job,” Goodlander said.

Trump called the video seditious. An investigation was launched, but a grand jury unanimously voted not to indict. Williams says the video was irresponsible. “If you watch that video, what do you think? Granite State veterans, do you think that is responsible, professional? Or actually lose trust in your politicians by doing that?” Williams said.

The latest national polls show a strong likelihood that the Democrats regain control of the U.S. House. It’s been more than a decade since a Republican has held New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District seat.

Copyright 2026 WCAX. All rights reserved.