Victoria Sullivan announces run for state Senate

Apr. 22—Former Manchester mayoral candidate and Republican state representative Victoria Sullivan announced Monday she will seek the District 18 state Senate seat currently held by Donna Soucy.

"I have been working in the recovery community with those who are or have been homeless and understand the complexities of the crises we are facing here in New Hampshire," Sullivan said in a statement. "When I served in the NH House of Representatives, I sponsored bills that focused on expanding recovery support. I am even more passionate about that work now. NH does a lot of things right when it comes to recovery, however we lack the support for mental health care which is an integral component in healing and prevention. This care is especially crucial for our youth and the resources are just not there.

"I have also been a strong voice in regard to the need to change our bail reform law, something that has had a significant impact on our state, but disproportionately so for Manchester."

Sullivan, who served as the assistant majority leader in the New Hampshire House, lost to incumbent Mayor Joyce Craig in 2019, 11,051 votes to 8,441.

She fared better in their 2021 rematch but still fell short, losing 10,247 to 9,016, or 53% to 47%.

Sullivan served on the House Education Committee for four years and sponsored several education bills, including a play-based education law.

Sullivan is currently the chair of Freedom Movement New Hampshire, a non-profit faith-based, sober home in Manchester; the director of Freedom Staffing, a non-profit agency working to remove barriers to employment for those out of the workforce for various reasons; and sits on the Oversight Commission of Children's Services.

District 18 covers wards 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 in Manchester as well as the nearby town of Litchfield, all located in Hillsborough County.

Soucy is currently serving in her sixth term representing District 18, having been first elected in 2012. Soucy was elected unanimously as Senate president on Dec. 5, 2018 and currently serves as the Democratic Leader.