Democrat Connolly Launches Bid for Governor

Today, business owner and former Deputy Secretary of State Mark Connolly announced his campaign for governor of New Hampshire with events in Hanover, Manchester, and New Castle.

A Democrat and a Seacoast business owner with three decades of experience in the public and private sectors, Connolly laid out his vision for New Hampshire’s future, which centers on his plans for education, innovation, and job creation.

“We’re facing critical decisions about our state’s future, and we need a pragmatic, progressive, and independent leader to help build on the progress achieved by Governors Lynch and Hassan,” said Connolly in a statement. “That’s why I’m running for Governor of New Hampshire. I believe we’re at our best when we put aside our differences, come together, and turn difficult challenges into exciting opportunities. My vision for this state is clear: we must provide our kids with a world-class education, foster a culture of innovation to re-position our state as a 21st-century economic and business leader and create quality jobs that ensure the next generation of Granite Staters can build careers and raise families of their own right here in New Hampshire.”

Connolly added, “Throughout constant transformations and reinventions, we’ve never lost hold of the fundamental values that we hold dear in the Granite State—freedom, liberty, and the promise that, if you work hard and play by the rules, you’ll be given the opportunity to succeed. I’m running for Governor because I believe in the promise of New Hampshire, and I hope you’ll join me in seeing it through.”

A number of prominent Granite Staters joined Connolly at events in Manchester and New Castle to offer their support and praise his vision for guiding New Hampshire into the 21st century economy.

Longtime State Senator Lou D’Allesandro, D-Manchester, said, “I’ve known Mark Connolly since he was a young man growing up in Bedford, and there’s no doubt in my mind he’ll make an excellent Governor. Mark has spent his career fighting for the people. He’s tough, he’s smart, and he knows how to get the job done. The people of New Hampshire will have a great champion with Mark Connolly in the Governor’s office.”

Ben Kelley, a Concord entrepreneur and business leader, praised Connolly’s ability to bring the public and private sectors together to spur economic growth: “I support Mark Connolly for Governor of New Hampshire because I know he’s the kind of leader our state needs to spark our innovation economy—someone who knows how to bring people together to create jobs, jump-start key initiatives like passenger rail, and bring more growing businesses to our state. As a public servant and a businessman, Mark has always fought to stand up for the people of New Hampshire, and I know he’ll do the same as Governor.”

Mary Rauh, former chairwoman of the New Hampshire Women’s Fund and co-chairwoman of President Barack Obama’s New Hampshire campaign said, “I support Mark Connolly first and foremost because I trust him to fight hard for the issues that matter most to New Hampshire women and families. Mark will be a leader in fighting for equal pay, protecting a woman’s right to make her own healthcare decisions, and ensuring every family in our state has the opportunity to succeed. When women and families succeed, everyone benefits—and that’s something I know Mark will make a top priority.”

Maxine Morse, a beloved philanthropist, advocate for mental health and education, and close ally of former Governor John Lynch, said, “Mark Connolly has the experience, the track record, and the passion for public service we need in our next Governor. Like John Lynch, Mark understands how to lead our state and to ensure that government serves the people. With decades of experience in both public service and the private sector, Mark is the candidate who can truly deliver on his promise to build a better future for the Granite State.”

Mark Connolly is a New Hampshire native and a former State Representative who has served for over 30 years as a business and community leader. From 2002–2010, he served as New Hampshire’s top financial watchdog. Mark currently resides in New Castle. Headshots of Mark can be found here. For more information, visit markconnollynh.com, follow @MarkConnollyNH, or check facebook.com/MarkConnollyforNewHampshire.