As part of The Dartmouth’s coverage of the upcoming 2026 midterm and gubernatorial elections, the paper continues its interview series, “A Sit-Down with The Dartmouth,” featuring in-depth conversations with major national and statewide candidates in New Hampshire.
In this installment of the series, The Dartmouth interviewed Christian Urrutia, a Democratic candidate for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District. A first-generation American, the attorney and National Guard officer has worked at the Pentagon and is currently an executive at the vacation rental company Airbnb. His campaign is centered on a platform he calls “A Fair Shake for All,” which focuses on housing, health care and child care affordability.
In an interview conducted at the offices of The Dartmouth, Urrutia discussed why he is running for U.S. Congress, his policy priorities, the votes he believes would define his tenure early on and his opposition to what he describes as an erosion of constitutional norms under the Trump administration.
You are running for Congress in New Hampshire’s 1st District. Why this seat, and why now?
CU: I live here, and that matters. But the “why now?” is equally important. We’re at a moment when the Trump administration is testing the rule of law and the Constitution. We need Democrats who are willing to stand up in this moment.
At the same time, there are problems in this country that extend beyond Trump: the affordability crisis — including housing, health care and child care — and a crisis of trust in government. Standing up to Trump is the immediate challenge, but we also need a clear vision for addressing the issues people face every day.
Was there a specific moment that pushed you to run?
CU: By the time I announced my campaign in early July, it was the cumulative effect of what had already occurred just months into the Trump administration. With an open seat, I felt it was important for people to step up.
Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., is leaving the congressional seat to run for U.S. Senate. What did he get right, and where do you disagree?
CU: He’s held a very competitive seat, and that deserves credit. I respect Chris, but we differ both substantively and stylistically.
I support Medicare for All; he does not. I do not take AIPAC funding; he does. I would vote to dismantle and replace Immigration and Customs Enforcement; he has not taken that position. Stylistically, I don’t think the goal should be bipartisanship for its own sake, but fighting forcefully for Democratic values.
Stefany Shaheen is widely viewed as the Democratic front-runner in the 1st District race. Why should voters choose you instead?
CU: The real front-runner is undecided. The Shaheen name is well known, but many voters are still looking for something different. This race will be decided by who can articulate a clear vision and connect with voters across the district.
How do you plan to win when another candidate has greater name recognition and institutional support?
CU: Our campaign is powered by grassroots donors. We’ve led in individual contributions because people believe in our ideas. Organization begins with vision — you can’t build a movement without one.
On accountability issues, including past work related to Jeffrey Epstein, I believe candidates should answer straightforward questions. Transparency matters.
Housing is the top affordability issue in New Hampshire. What federal actions do you support to address it?
CU: Nationally, we’re millions of homes short, and we’re not building the right types of homes. In the 1980s, starter homes made up a significant share of new construction; today, they represent only a small fraction.
My “Fair Shake for All” plan calls for a national infrastructure bank to finance housing, zoning reform, streamlined permitting and incentives for municipalities to build at appropriate density. We also need demand-side solutions like down-payment assistance. About half of first-time homebuyers now rely on help from their parents, which shows how limited access has become.
You support Medicare for All. How do you address concerns about disrupting employer-based coverage?
CU: Medicare already exists and functions relatively well. Polling shows broad support across Democrats, independents and some Republicans.
Change can be disruptive, which is why my immediate step would be a public option that allows people to buy into Medicare or Medicaid. Giving people a choice is the most practical way forward.
You have called for dismantling ICE. What would replace it?
CU: I’m a first-generation American, and I’ve seen the immigrant experience firsthand. ICE, as currently structured, has failed to uphold constitutional protections — including detaining U.S. citizens and deporting veterans.
Immigration enforcement should move closer to the Department of Justice, with stronger due-process protections and clearer limits on detention authority.
What should voters know about you that doesn’t appear on your resume?
CU: Service is central to who I am. That’s why I joined the military later in life, worked at the Pentagon and want to serve in Congress. Renewing a sense of national service is essential to addressing the country’s challenges.
Is there a belief you’ve changed your mind on?
CU: Health care. In 2016, I didn’t support Medicare for All. Personal medical experiences showed me how difficult it can be to navigate the system — even with resources and legal knowledge. Many Americans don’t have that ability, and the system should not depend on it.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
