Trump’s pick wins GOP primary for open Pappas House seat

Anthony DiLorenzo, President Trump’s pick for an open House seat in New Hampshire, is projected to win the Republican nomination, according to Decision Desk HQ.

DiLorenzo defeated Hollie Noveletsky, a military veteran and businesswoman, to advance to the general election in what will likely be a pivotal race for control of the House. His primary marks a a victory for the president, who has had a mixed track record with his endorsements this primary season.

President Trump endorsed DiLorenzo, an auto businessman who started a chain of car dealerships and collision centers, in July, writing on Truth Social, “As a very successful Businessman and Entrepreneur, Anthony understands the America First Policies required to Create GREAT Jobs, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., and Champion our Nation’s Golden Age.”

Noveletsky, who runs her family’s iron works business, is also highly supportive of the president’s agenda, including hot-button issues such as immigration and tariffs. When President Trump endorsed her opponent, she called his decision “wrong” and committed to staying in the race.

Since the endorsement, DiLorenzo has sought to moderately distance himself from President Trump, telling WMUR, “When I’m in agreement with the president, I’m happy to do so, if it benefits the people in New Hampshire.”

“And if I disagree with the president, I would let him know — and not on national TV, in a private setting, just like he did to me when he called me up and said, ‘I’m going to endorse you,'” he added.

New Hampshire’s 1st District has been in Democratic hands for 16 of the past 20 years, held by former Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-N.H.) and then Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.), the incumbent who opted to run for the open Senate seat in the Granite State instead of seeking reelection. Republican former Rep. Pete Guinta held the seat for two non-consecutive terms in the 2010s.

Pappas, who is seeking to replace retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, defeated his Republican opponent for the House seat by over eight percent in 2024, while Kamala Harris only won the state by just under two points.

DiLorenzo will likely face either Stefany Shaheen, the daughter of Jeanee Shaheen, or Maura Sullivan, a former Marine, in November.