Hanna Trudo, a seasoned political journalist formerly holding the senior political correspondent position at The Hill, is seriously contemplating a run for Congress as a Democrat in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, according to a report from Politico.
Trudo, a native of New Hampshire with deep roots in the state, confirmed her interest in seeking the congressional seat after current Democratic Representative Chris Pappas announced his intention to run for the Senate, thereby creating an open seat in the House of Representatives.
The former Hill correspondent took to X, formerly Twitter, to express her motivation for considering a congressional bid, emphasizing her connection to the state’s iconic motto, "Live Free or Die." Trudo stated that under the leadership of former President Donald Trump, the nation’s freedoms are imperiled, adding that the Democratic Party must abandon the pursuit of bipartisanship and instead actively engage in a direct confrontation with Republican policies.
Trudo’s potential candidacy aligns with a growing trend of individuals with media backgrounds entering the political arena as Democrats. In the 2024 election cycle, CNN political analyst John Avlon secured the Democratic nomination for New York’s 1st Congressional District but ultimately lost in the general election.
In a detailed memo outlining her decision to explore a congressional run, Trudo highlighted her working-class origins, recounting her upbringing by a single mother in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. She explained that her family relied on heating assistance to cope with the region’s harsh winters, a testament to the economic challenges faced by many families in the state.
Trudo emphasized the sacrifices made by her mother, who worked as a Title 1 reading aide in a public school, despite being unable to afford college or homeownership. She also drew attention to her family’s history in New Hampshire, noting that her great-grandparents, who immigrated from Greece, operated an American diner in the state capital 84 years ago.
Trudo argued that her experience as a journalist in Washington, D.C., has equipped her with a unique set of skills that would be invaluable in Congress. She characterized herself as a journalist who is weary of reporting on the recurring narrative of Democratic defeats and policy failures.
Trudo stated that she is accustomed to challenging the status quo in Washington, D.C., and has gained a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape through her work. She expressed confidence in her ability to overcome obstacles and achieve success in the political arena.
Trudo suggested that the Democratic Party needs to embark on a course correction, adopting a more assertive and confrontational approach to counter Republican policies. She acknowledged that she has not yet conducted any polling to gauge the viability of her platform but intends to campaign with the same fervor and passion that she has demonstrated throughout her career as a journalist.
Trudo called for the Democratic Party to improve its performance and elect new leaders who are prepared to form a disruptive opposition to the Republican Party. She rejected the notion of compromising or seeking bipartisan consensus, arguing that a more aggressive stance is necessary to effectively challenge Republican policies.
Trudo’s final byline for The Hill is dated March 7, indicating her recent departure from the publication. Prior to her tenure at The Hill, she worked for The Daily Beast and Politico, further solidifying her experience in political journalism.
If Trudo decides to pursue a congressional campaign, she would be joining a Democratic primary field that already includes Marine Corps veteran and former Obama administration official Maura Sullivan, who announced her candidacy in April.
Notably, Karoline Leavitt, who previously served as White House press secretary under former President Trump, ran for the same congressional seat in New Hampshire in 2022. Leavitt secured the Republican primary nomination but was defeated by Pappas in the general election. Leavitt is currently the youngest White House press secretary in history, at the age of 27.
The potential entry of Hanna Trudo into the race for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District adds another layer of intrigue to an already competitive election cycle. Her background as a political journalist, coupled with her strong stance against the Republican Party and her call for a more assertive Democratic approach, could resonate with voters in the district. However, she would face significant challenges in competing against established candidates like Maura Sullivan and potentially other contenders who may enter the race. The outcome of the Democratic primary will ultimately determine whether Trudo’s message and experience can translate into electoral success.
