GOP’s Flanagan Drops Out Of CD 2 Congressional Race

BROOKLINE, NH — A potential Republican candidate for Congress next year has decided not to run after all. State Rep. Jack Flanagan, R-Brookline, announced on Nov. 10, 2017, that he was withdrawing from the 2018 Republican primary to challenge U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster, D-NH, stating that it was time to re-focus on “personal and private sector interests.” The former Brookline school board member and selectman – who also served as Majority Leader in the House – said he would remain active in local community as well as state activities while promoting growth in the Granite State and security across the country.

“When I embarked on this journey to run for Congress, I did so with the belief New Hampshire needs better representation in Washington,” he said in a statement. “We need someone fighting on our behalf to secure our Constitutional rights, to improve our economy for working class communities, and to keep us safe and secure from the many international dangers we are witness to. I still believe this. I know there are others running for this office that have the same priorities as I do and I am encouraged by that.”

Flanagan came in second in the GOP primary in 2016 with more than 12,000 voters, about 28 percent. Kuster bested the GOP nominee – former state Rep. Jim Lawrence – by more than 15,500 votes while Libertarian candidate John Babiarz received slightly more than 17,000 votes.

Two other candidates – Dr. Stewart Levenson of Hopkinton and state Rep. Steve Negron, R-Nashua – remain in the GOP hunt. Justin O’Donnell has also expressed interest in running as the Libertarian candidate.
Flanagan also wished those candidates still in the race the best of luck.

“Good luck to those running for Congress in New Hampshire’s 2nd District and for whomever wins the primary next September, I will work hard to secure your victory in November,” he said.

Courtesy photo.