Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig seeking 3rd term

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) - Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig says she is seeking a third, two-year term.

Craig, who was first elected in 2017 to lead New Hampshire’s largest city, told WMUR-TV she wants to see the city through the coronavirus pandemic and continue with some of the projects that had to be set aside during the pandemic.

“I want to build a city where people want to be, where they want to stay and where people want to build their businesses and grow their businesses, and I truly believe that we can do that because our city is resilient, and they’ve shown that commitment and compassion to our city,” Craig said.

Craig, who officially announced her candidacy Tuesday, also said she expects progress on homeless issues.

“With the federal funds that are coming directly to the city of Manchester, I feel very optimistic that we’re going to be able to focus on some supportive affordable housing that we haven’t been able to do before,” Craig said.

At least two other people have announced they are running for mayor: Victoria Sullivan, a former state representative who lost to Craig in 2019, and Rich Girard, a former at-large school board member.