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 candidates for state-wide and New Hampshire district positions.
In this installment, The Dartmouth interviewed Lily Tang Williams, who is running to represent New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District. Williams won the Republican nomination in 2024 before losing to U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander, D-N.H., by nearly six percentage points. She is seeking a rematch with Goodlander in 2026.
Williams has centered her 2026 campaign on federal spending cuts, border security and what she calls “America First” policies.
You ran for this seat in 2022 and 2024 and are now running for the third time. Why do you believe this is the right moment for you to represent New Hampshire’s 2nd District?
LTW: I went viral after the 2024 debate. I got 47% of the vote in a traditional blue district without the money to buy one single TV ad. I think that’s pretty good. I feel like it is my calling to do this again. I believe the timing is right. The third time is a charm, like Americans say. I don’t have a serious primary opponent right now, so I can focus on raising money and building a grassroots team. On the campaign trail, I feel encouraged by people telling me, “Run again, we support you.” They want someone who really cares and wants to serve the people.
What did you learn from your general election loss in 2024?
LTW: I beat about 12 opponents in the primary and didn’t have money left. I learned I need to engage communities that don’t traditionally attend Republican events. I want to show that my policies can help reduce inflation and affordability issues and that I’m not beholden to special interests or political action committees. I survived communism and came to America with nothing. I want to serve the people.
You frequently cite your upbringing under Mao-era China. How does that shape your federal policy views?
LTW: Life without freedom is terrible. People who never lived without freedom sometimes turn to big government and central planning. I learned that centralized planning leads to poverty, loss of rights, censorship and oppression. I advocate for small, limited government, free market, free enterprise, free speech and truly competitive private industries, not corporatism or crony capitalism controlled by big corporations. Good intentions do not lead to good policies. When I hear talk of democratic socialism or seizing private property, that’s terrifying to me. That’s what I heard in communist China.
Your campaign emphasizes cutting federal spending. What specific programs would you reduce or eliminate?
LTW: The last time we balanced the federal budget was in 1994 under Bill Clinton and a Republican Congress. We now have over $38 trillion in national debt. We’re paying about $1 trillion a year just in interest. In 10 years, it could reach $64 trillion. Young people will inherit that burden. I would introduce a balanced budget amendment. If we cut even six cents out of every dollar, in 10 years, we could balance the budget. We can reduce fraud, abuse and corruption. We can consider cutting foreign aid. I opposed sending $165 billion to Ukraine when we don’t have the money. We’re borrowing or printing money, which drives inflation. I would also eliminate corporate welfare. Big corporations don’t need subsidies.
Would you support cuts to defense spending?
LTW: When was the last time the defense budget was audited? I don’t remember. I want a lean and efficient government. I’m open to cuts. We should use zero-based budgeting — start from zero and justify every dollar instead of building on last year’s budget.
You advocate for stronger border security. What immigration legislation would you support?
LTW: I’m a legal immigrant. My brother and I waited 13 years. I support streamlining legal immigration based on labor needs. But under [former President Joe] Biden, millions of illegals came in. We don’t know who they are. I support securing the border and deporting criminal illegal aliens. Once we do that, we can discuss reforms. But people cannot cut in line ahead of those waiting legally for decades.
You’ve endorsed President Donald Trump in past elections. How closely would you align with him if elected?
LTW: I support his America First agenda and most of his good policies. He has been consistent about putting American workers first and securing the border. But I will represent my district. It’s not about party; it’s about policy. New Hampshire is a purple state with many independents. I’m not a party person.
You’ve previously questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 election. Do you believe that Biden won the 2020 election?
LTW: That’s ancient history now. Joe Biden served and he’s gone. The important thing now is election integrity so no questions can be raised. I support the SAVE Act — citizenship required to register, and photo ID to vote. It’s undignified to say minorities can’t get ID. I became a citizen and changed my name.
On gun policy, are there any federal gun safety measures you would support?
LTW: The Second Amendment is a God-given right to protect ourselves against tyranny. I support national constitutional carry. Law-abiding citizens’ rights should not be infringed. Red flag laws and more gun control are not effective. Look at Chicago or California. New Hampshire has constitutional carry and low crime.
Is there anything voters should know about you that hasn’t been discussed?
LTW: I’m a mother of three adult children. Two of my sons are veterans. I’ve been married for 35 years. I enjoy cooking, hiking and traveling. I started a women’s social club in my town — no politics allowed. I’m involved with the Lions Club and run a nonprofit called Asian Americans New Hampshire Coalition. If people meet me, I think they’ll see I’m authentic and an American patriot. I would be honored to represent them.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
