U.S. House Representative Annie Kuster, a New Hampshire Democrat, announced to WMUR on March 27 she will not seek reelection in November.
Kuster, a six-term incumbent, represents the state’s second congressional district, which covers Keene, Nashua and Concord among other towns.
Kuster told WMUR she was leaving the House in order to spend more time with her family, but added she will continue to aid Democrats in retaking the chamber in November.
“I want to spend time with my sons as they’re heading into their married lives – and hopefully grandchildren on the way one day. And I really want to lean in on helping my colleagues and these fantastic candidates that we’ve recruited,” Kuster told WMUR’s Adam Sexton.
In her time in Congress, Kuster has advocated for lowering the cost of higher education and supported President Joe Biden’s initial student loan debt forgiveness plan which was later struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.
In an interview with The Equinox, KSC President Melinda Treadwell reflected on her work with Kuster in the past.
“It’ll be a huge loss,” Treadwell said. “She is authentic, grounded and very much a human being who is a privilege to be in the pesence of.”
Treadwell said she worked with Kuster on various issues, particularly bolstering the precision manufacturing industry within the state and expanding workforce opportunities for students.
Other issues Kuster has worked on during her tenure include addressing addiction and mental health, ending sexual violence and conservation of the environment, according to her House website.
Additionally, Kuster chairs the New Democrat Coalition, a House caucus comprised of liberal and centrist Democrats.
During KSC’s 2023 commencement, Kuster was given an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. The commencement program guide stated Kuster was “… Dedicated to being a tireless champion and advocate for the citizens and families of New Hampshire, and more specifically, for the citizens and families in the state’s Second District.”
In 2020, Biden won Kuster’s district by 8.9 percent and in 2022, Kuster won it by 11.7 percent.
According to Cook Political Report’s 2024 House Ratings, her district is rated as likely to vote for a Democrat.
Nathan Hope can be contacted at
nhope@kscequinox.com
