Colin Van Ostern Announces NH Gubernatorial Bid

(Concord, NH) - Executive Councilor Colin Van Ostern has thrown his hat into the Democratic Gubernatorial race in 2016.

The 36 year old Concord resident is the first Democratic candidate to announce since incumbent Maggie Hassan said this week that she would not seek reelection, and instead would run for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Republican Kelly Ayotte.

Van Ostern's official campaign statement is as follows:

“I’m running for Governor in 2016 to build an even stronger economy and a brighter future for the people of New Hampshire.

We must keep our state moving forward so that it will continue to be a great place to raise a family and grow a business in the coming decade – one where our kids can attend great schools, graduate from college without being crushed by debt, and find jobs with good wages.

I see a future for our state that is accelerated by passenger rail from Boston to Manchester, brightened by solar panels, supported by growing small businesses, and strengthened by good access to quality health care – whether it’s birth control at Planned Parenthood or addiction treatment services at community health centers. A future where we keep taxes low and bring forward new plans and ideas to attract and keep more young people, young families, startups and growing businesses here in our state.

I love New Hampshire and I’ll work hard to keep it moving forward. Will you stand with me?”

– Colin Van Ostern

The name of Portsmouth City Councilor Stephanie Shaheen has also been mention as a possible Gubernatorial candidate.

Executive Councilor Chris Sununu is the only announced Republican candidate in the race.