A Manchester state representative is preparing to enter the GOP primary for New Hampshire’s First Congressional District, while one of the city’s most prominent Republicans tells NHJournal he’s sitting this race out.

Rep. Brian Cole is inviting supporters to join him on Monday, August 4, as he “makes a major announcement about a possible run for Congress.”

Cole would become the third Republican in the race to succeed U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (D). The three-term Democrat is seeking to replace retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and currently faces no primary challenger.

Businessman and veteran Chris Bright, who ran in the 2024 GOP primary, has announced he is seeking the nomination again. Melissa Bailey, vice chair of the Bedford Republican Committee and a member of the New Hampshire F

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