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23-year-old Karoline Leavitt, who served as Deputy Press Secretary in the Trump administration, won her primary race in New Hampshire.
She is looking to replace Democrat Chris Pappas in Congress in the upcoming midterm election cycle. If she wins in November, she would be the youngest woman elected to Congress in history.
🚨Breaking News: The Calvin Coolidge Project Decision Desk can now officially make a call in New Hampshire GOP primary for the 1st Congressional District @kleavittnh has officially won the Republican primary. Karoline Leavitt will go on to face Democrat Chris Pappas in November. pic.twitter.com/Rcb2ENrBc7
— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) September 14, 2022
She has received a number of major endorsements, including Elise Stefanik, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Utah Senator Mike Lee, and Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan.
President Donald Trump congratulated Leavitt for winning the primary race, saying that she did an “amazing job” with “wonderful energy and wisdom.”
Thank you, President Trump!🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/yHyYO7BSdI
— Karoline Leavitt (@kleavittnh) September 14, 2022
Leavitt received 33% of support with 46% of votes counted. The race was quickly called her favor against her main opponent Matt Mowers.
After working as Trump’s Deputy Press Secretary, she served as communications director for Republican New York Rep. Elise Stefanik.
I've seen enough: pro-MAGA Karoline Leavitt (R), 24, wins the GOP primary in #NH01, defeating 2020 nominee Matt Mowers (R) and others.
That's probably good news for Rep. Chris Pappas (D), but for now #NH01 (PVI EVEN) is staying in Toss Up at @CookPolitical.
— Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict) September 14, 2022
More on this story via Daily Caller:
Mowers worked in as advisor to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the Trump administration, and boasted endorsements from Pompeo and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley. He also served as Chief of Staff to Dr. Deborah Birx when she led the Trump administration’s HIV/AIDS relief plan. Leavitt criticized Mowers’ work for Birx on the campaign trail, noting her support for COVID-19 lockdowns.
Throughout the race, Leavitt and Mowers argued over who is the true heir to Trumpism. Mowers highlighted his 2020 endorsement from the former president, while Leavitt has repeatedly claimed that the 2o20 election was stolen and promised to impeach President Joe Biden.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy supported Mowers in the race, and the Congressional Leadership Fund spent more than $1.3 million on ads supporting him. Defending Main Street PAC also spent $1.2 million on ads opposing Leavitt, according to The New York Times.
Although Pappas defeated Mowers in 2020, redistricting ensured that the First District remains a toss-up. It swings one point towards the GOP, according to FiveThirtyEight.