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.