As part of The Dartmouth’s coverage of the upcoming 2026 midterm and gubernatorial elections, the paper is publishing an interview series, “A Sit-Down with The Dartmouth,” featuring in-depth conversations with major national and statewide candidates in New Hampshire.
In this installment, The Dartmouth spoke with State Rep. Jared Sullivan, D-Grafton, a candidate for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the retirement of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H. Sullivan, who has a background as an real estate economist but now works as a state representative in addition to several part-time jobs, has framed his campaign around restoring trust in democratic institutions, reforming campaign finance and addressing housing affordability through increased supply.
In an interview conducted at the offices of The Dartmouth, Sullivan discussed why he decided to run for Senate, how his experience in the New Hampshire legislature has shaped his approach to governance and how he distinguishes his candidacy in a competitive Democratic primary.
Why are you running for the U.S. Senate, and why now?
JS: I think we’re in a really unique moment. Politics are as contentious as they’ve been in my lifetime, maybe since the Civil War. I got into politics because of Jan. 6, 2021. I was working as an economist that day, and what struck me wasn’t just that a lie had been spread about a free and fair election, but that people were willing to believe it. That told me we’ve lost a huge amount of faith in our political system.
The system feels broken and corrupt and it’s not working for most people. I spent a long time thinking about how we rebuild faith in the process that holds us together. I came to believe that it requires both having decent people in office and reforming the system itself — reducing the influence of money, preventing gerrymandering and implementing reforms like ranked-choice voting.
What ultimately pushed me to run for Senate was watching people be deported without due process and seeing our federal delegation largely stay silent. In moments like that, I want representatives who will use their voices and rise to the occasion. That’s why I decided to run now.
You currently serve in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. How has that experience shaped your view of what Washington, D.C., gets right and wrong?
JS: New Hampshire is unique because our legislature is so large relative to our population. I run into my constituents constantly — at the grocery store, at the ice cream shop where I work, at Cannon Mountain [ski resort] where I also work. That level of accessibility matters.
It also forces you to work with a lot of different people. Politics at every level is about navigating personalities and disagreements while holding onto your values. I’ve shown that I’m willing to compromise to move the ball forward, but I won’t compromise my core principles. That balance is essential in Washington.
Affordability, housing and health care are central themes across this race. What distinguishes your approach?
JS: I’m a real estate economist, and housing is fundamentally a supply-and-demand problem. For more than a decade, we’ve underbuilt — by millions of homes — nationwide. That’s why affordability is so bad.
If we want to fix housing, we need to build more of it. That requires a multi-level approach with federal leadership, state action and local zoning reform. Blaming landlords or private equity misses the point. Those are symptoms of a deeper shortage. The real solution is increasing supply and creating vacancy so the market becomes competitive again.
You’ve spoken about working multiple jobs while serving in the House. How has that shaped your approach to representation?
JS: I used to make over $200,000 a year. Now I make about $30,000. I’ve lived in both worlds, one where unexpected expenses don’t matter and one where they absolutely do.
Democrats have lost the working class because too many leaders don’t actually live the consequences of the policies they make. I do. That changes how you think about everything from housing to transportation to health care.
What do you see as the strongest contrast between your candidacy and others in the race?
JS: People want their representatives to use their voices in this moment. I hear every day that voters want someone who will fight, not just negotiate quietly. We’re dealing with bad-faith actors who are undermining democratic norms, and silence isn’t enough. Democrats have historically low approval ratings because they’re viewed as pushovers. I would have no hesitation using my voice to call out injustice when I see it. That’s a real contrast.
How do you think about immigration enforcement accountability and reform?
JS: Simply abolishing an agency without reform doesn’t fix the underlying problems – it just shifts them elsewhere. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has committed serious abuses and has become so toxic that people no longer trust it, even in principle. In that sense, it should be abolished.
But what really matters is accountability. That means no racial profiling, real training standards and enforcement mechanisms that respect due process. Enforcement without accountability is how we end up where we are now.
Health care costs and access remain a persistent issue in New Hampshire. What reforms would you prioritize?
JS: We need to get to health care for all — a system where no one has to choose between seeking care and financial ruin. I’ve faced that choice myself.
In 2023, I experienced a medical emergency that turned out to be a dissected vertebral artery — the leading cause of stroke for people under 50. The care I received cost about $30,000. If I hadn’t had insurance, I might not have gone to the hospital. And I might not be sitting here today.
That’s why the bridge forward is fully funding the Affordable Care Act while we build a more comprehensive system that guarantees coverage for everyone.
You’ve sponsored legislation to legalize marijuana in New Hampshire. How would you approach federal cannabis policy?
JS: At the federal level, it’s simple: legalize it. That would stop arrests and end the destruction of lives over behavior most Americans no longer see as criminal. States can decide how to regulate and sell it. The federal role should focus on legality and basic safety standards, not enforcement.
If elected, what priorities would you pursue immediately, and how would you measure success?
JS: In the long term, systemic reform — especially overturning Citizens United [v. Federal Election Commission] is essential. That’s a generational fight that requires persistence and unity.
In the short term, housing is where we can make measurable progress. We need to invest in the trades, rethink how we build and support innovation that lowers construction costs. If we can significantly reduce the cost per square foot, we can make homeownership accessible again.
What should New Hampshire voters understand about you personally?
JS: I love New Hampshire because of the mountains. I’m a skier. I’m a white-water rafter. I’m here because this is where I want to live.
People who’ve worked with me would say I act in good faith, work hard and stay honest. I only take donations from individuals, and no one can buy influence over me. I think that matters, and it’s part of how we restore trust in politics.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
