By Guy Page
Democratic U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander and Republican Lily Tang Williams won their New Hampshire congressional primaries Tuesday, setting up a November rematch just weeks after Williams discussed her campaign, her childhood under Mao and her concerns about socialism in an extended interview with Vermont Daily Chronicle.

Williams, who appeared Aug. 13 on VDC’s “Chronicle Conversations” program on WVMT AM 620, won the Republican nomination for New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District. Goodlander, seeking her second term in Congress, won the Democratic nomination. The Associated Press called both races Tuesday night.

Vermont Daily Chronicle’s Aug. 13 story, “Raised in Mao’s China amid famine, House candidate warns of threats to U.S. liberty,” focused on Williams’ unusual path from Communist China to American politics. Williams was born in China and has made her experience growing up under Mao Zedong a major part of her campaigns and public appearances.

During the VDC interview, Williams discussed growing up amid poverty and food shortages in China and later coming to the United States as a student. Her experience with the Chinese Communist system has shaped much of her political message, including her warnings about socialism and government control. The Associated Press likewise noted after Tuesday’s primary that Williams has emphasized her childhood in China, immigration to the United States and eventual U.S. citizenship throughout her campaigns.

The Aug. 13 appearance gave Vermont listeners an early look at a candidate who will now be at the center of one of New Hampshire’s congressional races this fall.

Williams won Tuesday’s four-way Republican primary with about 64% of the vote as of 8:55 PM, when roughly 20% had been counted. Victor Orlando had about 15%, Dan Nicholson 13% and Michael Anthony Callis 7%.

On the Democratic side, Goodlander had about 80% of the vote against state Rep. Paige Beauchemin’s roughly 20%. Goodlander is seeking a second term after first winning the seat in 2024.

That makes the Nov. 3 election a repeat of the 2024 Goodlander-Williams contest. Williams won the Republican nomination that year before losing to Goodlander in the general election.

Williams is now making her third bid for the 2nd District seat. New Hampshire Public Radio reported before the primary that she entered this year’s campaign with increased name recognition and a growing online following.

The district covers much of western and northern New Hampshire, including communities directly across the Connecticut River from Vermont, giving the race a regional interest beyond the Granite State.

Feature photo credit WMUR YouTube video