Karishma Manzur is a scientist with a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology who is running her first campaign for elected office. She is an Exeter, New Hampshire resident who has researched illnesses including Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy. Manzur has extensive experience as a progressive activist and volunteer, serving with New Hampshire Peace Action, Open Democracy, and as a member of the New Hampshire Democratic Party Rules Committee. She entered the Democratic primary in August 2025 as a progressive challenger to frontrunner Chris Pappas, positioning herself to the left on issues like healthcare (Medicare for All), immigration (abolishing ICE), and foreign policy (Palestinian rights). Her campaign emphasizes grassroots organizing, individual donations (no PAC money), and representing overlooked working-class and immigrant communities.
Karishma Manzur holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology and has conducted medical research on Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy. She is a Bangladeshi-American immigrant who grew up in a working-class family that experienced homelessness and relied on minimum wage employment. Manzur currently resides in Exeter, New Hampshire. She has served as a member of the New Hampshire Democratic Party Rules Committee and volunteered extensively with progressive organizations including New Hampshire Peace Action and Open Democracy. She is described as a science writer and nonprofit leader with no prior elected office experience. This is her first campaign for political office.
Medicare for All as central platform plank
Emphasizes current system's $5 trillion spending yet millions uninsured; advocates for single-payer system.
Voting History: No voting history; first-time candidate. Campaign positions derived from published platform and interviews.
Direct federal investment vs. tax credit approach
Criticizes Low-Income Housing Tax Credit as insufficient; advocates DUD investment, Section 8 expansion, limits on private equity real estate purchases.
Voting History: No voting history; positions stated in campaign interviews.
Abolish ICE; provide sanctuary
Stronger stance than Pappas; wants complete ICE abolition rather than reform; positions as sanctuary advocate.
Voting History: No voting history; volunteer work with progressive immigration advocacy groups inferred from associations.
Pro-Palestinian human rights; strong Gaza ceasefire advocate
Advocates against weapons transfers to Israel; wrote op-eds on Gaza; campaign video alludes to Pappas' office sit-in regarding ceasefire demand.
Voting History: No voting history; extensively published opinion pieces on Gaza and Palestinian rights.
Manzur has no voting record as she has never held elected office. Her political positions are documented through campaign platform, published op-eds in outlets like New Hampshire Union-Leader and Concord Monitor, volunteer work with progressive groups, and interviews with news outlets including The Dartmouth.
Campaign messaging emphasizes personal authenticity and grassroots passion. Contrasts with Pappas' establishment credentials and national donor base. Uses emotional appeals about working-class struggle and family hardship. More pointed on foreign policy (Palestine) than mainstream Democratic rhetoric.
Launch video emphasizes working-class immigrant roots; states 'I don't come from wealth, power, or a famous name, but I'm living proof the American dream is still possible.' Contrasts with Pappas and focuses on economic struggle.
Campaign launch video posted to website and social media; emphasizes personal narrative and contrast with establishment Democrats.
Pappas campaign has not directly attacked Manzur by name but emphasizes his endorsements from major Democratic figures (Shaheen, Hassan, Kuster, Lynch) and his seniority in Congress.
Pappas campaign focuses on consolidating Democratic primary support; does not engage in direct attacks on Manzur.
GOP labeled Manzur as a 'far-left Democrat' entering the race; used her candidacy as evidence that Pappas is struggling to consolidate party support.
Republican National Committee statement during Manzur's August 2025 announcement; attempt to create narrative of Democratic weakness.