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THIS TUESDAY, September 13, the primary race took place in New Hampshire to define the candidates to face off in the November elections. In the Republican race to represent 1st Congressional District, Karoline Leavitt and Matt Mowers, two young politicians and rising talents who worked for Donald Trump’s administration, faced off.
Being just 25 years old, Leavitt won the Republican nomination with a nearly 10-point lead.
Born and raised in New Hampshire, Leavitt’s political career began at a young age. During former President Donald Trump’s administration, she worked in the White House press shop, and then joined the staff of the third highest-rated Republican in Congress, Elise Stefanik (R-NY).
VICTORY! ✅
We were outspent, but we were NOT outworked. Thank you to the people of my home district for believing in me! I am humbled by the outpouring of support and honored to be your #NH01 Republican Nominee.
Tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, the work continues.
— Karoline Leavitt (@kleavittnh) September 14, 2022
The primary race between Mowers and Leavitt was made much more interesting for voters given that both worked for the administration of President Trump, who remained neutral in this particular contest.
Although both made use of their experience in the Trump White House, Leavitt preferred more explicit language about the questions Trump raised about the integrity of the 2020 election. The new GOP candidate did not hesitate to charge that the election against Joe Biden was “rigged” with “voter fraud.”
In the November midterms, Leavitt will face Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas, who holds New Hampshire’s first district.
The Karoline Leavitt phenomenon
Leavitt’s political fight has stunned several GOP leaders, who see her as the most talented new contender in the 2022 race, with impressive fundraising, messages and organization.
For more than a year, having received Trump’s endorsement in the past, it was assumed that Mowers would be the winning candidate for the Republican nomination. However, Leavitt’s powerful speech led her to take the lead in the final weeks of the campaign, eventually taking the nomination.
The young candidate does not underestimate voters or opponents. In a recent interview for the New Hampshire Journal, Leavitt said the political establishment undervalues the wisdom of voters.
“Voters in New Hampshire, on both sides of the aisle, are smart,” she said. “They do their research. They do their homework — and they didn’t buy it. They didn’t allow the establishment and the Democrats to buy this seat.”
During his campaign she promised to work to alleviate inflation and to promote a strong border policy to combat the fentanyl epidemic and the unprecedented flow of illegal immigration. He also pledged to confront the “Biden-Pappas-Pelosi regime” that has triggered an energy crisis.
In a Fox News interview about her victory, Leavitt referred to Pappas as a “far-left Democrat,” and said the citizens of his state are “fed up” of their leftist representatives not “putting them first” among their priorities.
Leavitt also spoke out against Lindsey Graham’s proposal to ban abortion at the federal level, indicating that she supports the Supreme Court’s decision to leave the issue up to the voters of each state. “I’m pro-life, but I’m also pro-Constitution,” she said.
WATCH: Gen-Z candidate @kleavittnh joins after winning the Republican primary in New Hampshire’s first congressional district. #AmericaReports. pic.twitter.com/GWD4JEyf79
— America Reports (@AmericaRpts) September 14, 2022
The young Republican received endorsements from major GOP figures including Stefanik, Rep. Jim Jordan (OH), Sen. Mike Lee (UT) and Sen. Ted Cruz (TX).
Following her victory, Leavitt received a wave of congratulations from her colleagues in the Republican Party. Cruz referred to her as a “happy warrior” who withstood the Washington “swamp” ad war.
Congratulations @kleavittnh on your tremendous victory tonight!
Karoline is a happy warrior who was able to withstand millions of dollars in attack ads from the DC swamp and emerge victorious. She will always have the back #NH01! On to November! pic.twitter.com/qR22CNK5d6
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) September 14, 2022
Stefanik issued a statement expressing her congratulations on the resounding victory and reiterating her “pride” in having supported her.
🚨🚨🚨
A HUGE Congratulations to #EPAC endorsed @kleavittnh on her hard-fought victory tonight in #NH01!
NEVER underestimate a young, hardworking #GOPWoman!
I'll continue to support Karoline every step of the way to FLIP #NH01 red!
Full statement 👇 pic.twitter.com/bWHp1S122T
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) September 14, 2022
Former President Trump sent his congratulations via Truth Social, where he celebrated Leavitt’s “amazing” victory and acknowledged her “wonderful energy and wisdom.”
Thank you, President Trump!🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/yHyYO7BSdI
— Karoline Leavitt (@kleavittnh) September 14, 2022
GOP co-chairman Tommy Hicks said he is “excited” about the new leadership taking on nominations in the party.
Congratulations to @GenDonBolduc & @kleavittnh on their primary wins! Excited to see new leadership coming to New Hampshire. Time to fire Biden rubber stamps Hassan and Pappas!
— Tommy Hicks (@TommyHicksGOP) September 14, 2022
If she wins in November, Leavitt would become the youngest woman in history to be elected to represent a district in the U.S. Congress.
El American interviewed Leavitt in November 2021. Watch the full interview below:
Tomás Lugo, journalist and writer. Born in Venezuela and graduated in Social Communication. Has written for international media outlets. Currently living in Colombia // Tomás Lugo, periodista y articulista. Nacido en Venezuela y graduado en Comunicación Social. Ha escrito para medios internacionales. Actualmente reside en Colombia.