Progressive Kashima Manzur Challenges Chris Pappas in New Hampshire Senate Race

In New Hampshire, progressive candidate Kashima Manzur is mounting a significant challenge against established Democrat Chris Pappas in the race to succeed retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Despite facing considerable obstacles, including a considerable fundraising gap and established political backing for Pappas, Manzur is determined to make her mark in this critical Senate contest.

Political analysts highlight that name recognition plays a vital role in this race. Former Congressman Paul Hodes, who served New Hampshire’s Second Congressional District from 2007 to 2011, noted, “He [Pappas] was the front-runner from the get-go — because in politics, name recognition is one of the most important things.” Pappas, who has represented a district characterized as purple and more conservative, currently enjoys a commanding lead in the polls, with 64% support compared to Manzur’s 8%, according to a November survey by the Saint Anselm College Survey Center.

Manzur’s struggle extends beyond name recognition to fundraising. She has opted to reject contributions from corporate PACs and special interest groups, raising approximately $42,000 through small-dollar donations. In stark contrast, Pappas’ campaign has amassed around $4.2 million, bolstered by support from various PACs, including the centrist No Labels PAC and leadership PACs linked to prominent Democratic figures like Senators Brian Schatz, Jack Reed, and Jeanne Shaheen.

The disparity in institutional support has compelled Manzur to adopt a grassroots campaign strategy. She actively engages with local Democratic Party committees, which are mandated to remain neutral in contested primaries, and has organized town halls that have seen strong attendance, with her first event attracting around 150 attendees, both in-person and virtually.

On college campuses, supporters have rallied under the initiative “Students for Karishma,” although this organization remains unofficially linked to her campaign. Despite the challenges, Manzur remains optimistic about her prospects, noting that New Hampshire’s small size could facilitate grassroots efforts. In the 2020 Democratic Primary for Senate, just 151,000 voters participated, illustrating her belief that even a limited number of volunteers can significantly influence outcomes.

Recognizing the challenges posed by limited funding, Manzur expressed her desire to collaborate with progressive organizations and leaders nationwide. She has received endorsements from groups such as Peace Action, which focuses on anti-nuclear proliferation, and Citizens Against AIPAC Corruption, which monitors pro-Israel lobbying efforts.

“So I’m a scientist, and I analyzed whether a grassroots campaign could work,” Manzur stated. “Was this going to be a project that was going to be winnable? And the answer was yes.” She emphasized that New Hampshire’s compact geography allows candidates to reach constituents effectively, which is particularly advantageous for her campaign.

Supporters like State Representative Suaj Budathoki believe Manzur’s candidacy can shift the conversation toward transformative economic policies, such as Medicare for All. He noted her credibility stems from her refusal to accept corporate PAC donations, which positions her as a candidate focused on addressing the needs of constituents in New Hampshire and beyond. “There are so many people relying on meager support from the federal government,” Budathoki said, praising her commitment to highlighting these issues.

While the Democratic Party remains officially neutral, many elected officials have endorsed Pappas. Budathoki has called for the party to refrain from intervening in the primary process, hoping that some progressives will lend their support to Manzur as the campaign progresses.

As the New Hampshire Senate race unfolds, the dynamics between established candidates and grassroots challengers like Manzur will be closely watched. With significant financial disparities and institutional backing at play, the outcome of this race could have broader implications for the Democratic Party’s direction in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.