Serving in her third term as the first woman Mayor of NH’s largest city, Joyce has emphasized economic development, safety, education, and housing. She has led Manchester to create thousands of jobs, reduce class sizes, decrease violent crime by 38%, and develop over 2,000 new housing units.
A mom of three, New Hampshire native, and a graduate of Manchester public schools and the University of New Hampshire, Joyce knows the challenges facing Granite Staters, and works tirelessly as Mayor of Manchester to build opportunity for all.
Joyce’s exploratory committee includes 73 New Hampshire leaders
MANCHESTER, NH – Today, Mayor Joyce Craig announced the formation of a Gubernatorial Exploratory Committee as she continues to have conversations with residents across the Granite State about what’s most important to them.
Former New Hampshire Governor John Lynch and First Lady Dr. Susan Lynch, Kathy Sullivan, Stonyfield Organic Co-Founder Gary Hirshberg, Paul Leblanc and Pat Findlen, Sen. Lou D’Allesandro, Sen. Molly Kelly, Sen. Martha Fuller Clark, Sen. Bette Lasky and Dr. Elliot Lasky, Executive Councilor Colin Van Ostern, Mayor Paul Grenier, Mayor Tim McNamara, Mayor Bob Carrier, Rep. Sue Almy, Rep. Latha Mangipudi and Krishna Mangipudi, Glenn Brackett, and join a group of elected officials, labor leaders, small business owners, educators and community leaders from all ten counties serving on Mayor Craig’s exploratory committee for Governor.
Manchester State Representative Patty Cornell will serve as the treasurer of the Joyce Craig for NH Gubernatorial Exploratory Committee.
As she announced her Gubernatorial Exploratory Committee today, Mayor Joyce Craig released the following statement:
“I first ran for Mayor of Manchester to get our city back on track. We made a commitment to tackle serious challenges by bringing people together, and to always put our families and residents first. In Manchester, we’ve added thousands of new jobs, hundreds of affordable housing units, decreased school class sizes, and reduced violent crime by 38 percent – and we’re developing innovative solutions to address challenges and build opportunity.
“As I’ve had discussions with local leaders across New Hampshire, it is increasingly clear that the same challenges we’re working to tackle in Manchester are seen in communities across the state. As a Mayor, I’ve collaborated with mayors and town and city officials to address these challenges – and we’ve made real progress. But there is a lack of support for cities and towns at the state level and I know we can do better.
“That’s why I’m launching an exploratory committee for Governor. I am excited to continue having conversations with Granite Staters about how we can put communities and families first, so everyone, no matter where they live in New Hampshire, has the opportunity to succeed.”
Governor John Lynch, Craig for New Hampshire Exploratory Committee Member and former four-term New Hampshire Governor:
“As mayor, Joyce saw Manchester’s potential and fostered opportunities to build an innovative biotech industry, attract high paying jobs, and bring new businesses to the city, all while tackling challenges in her community head on. Joyce’s leadership in Manchester and across the state make her the most well-prepared candidate to serve as our next Governor, and her record as a winner in tough elections proves she can put together a winning campaign. Joyce has the vision, skills, and dedication to be an outstanding Governor for the people of New Hampshire. Susan and I are excited to support Joyce Craig as she launches her gubernatorial exploratory committee.”
Jeff Padellaro, Craig for New Hampshire Exploratory Committee Member and Secretary Treasurer/Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 633:
“As an advocate for working people, I am proud to stand with Joyce Craig as she considers a bid for Governor. Joyce’s track record in Manchester is a testament to her commitment to creating good-paying jobs, expanding access to affordable housing, and improving the quality of life for the Granite State’s working families. I am confident that under her leadership, New Hampshire can be a state where everyone who works hard can get a great job, and build a good life.”
Molly Kelly, Craig for New Hampshire Exploratory Committee Member, Former State Senator, and 2018 Gubernatorial Candidate:
“New Hampshire needs a governor that understands the issues that cities and towns across our state face. I’m proud to support Joyce Craig’s exploratory committee because Joyce sees the opportunities in our communities and understands the challenges we need to overcome. I know Joyce would be a Governor that works hard every day to create opportunity for residents and families in New Hampshire.”
As of today’s announcement, the full list of leaders serving on the Craig for New Hampshire Exploratory Committee include:
Current & Former Elected and Party Officials
Governor John Lynch, Hopkinton
Dr. Susan Lynch, Hopkinton
2018 Democratic Gubernatorial Nominee & Senator Molly Kelly, Harrisville
2016 Democratic Gubernatorial Nominee & Executive Councilor Colin Van Ostern, Concord
Kathy Sullivan, Former NHDP Chair, Manchester
Joe Keefe, Former NHDP Chair, Rye
Mayor Jo Brown, Franklin
Mayor Bob Carrier, Dover
Mayor Paul Grenier, Berlin
Mayor Tim McNamara, Lebanon
Mayor Jack Blalock, Portsmouth
Mayor Charlene Lovett, Claremont
Mayor Caroline McCarley, Rochester
Senator Lou D’Allesandro, Manchester
Senator & Alderman Kevin Cavanaugh, Manchester
Senator Martha Fuller Clark, Portsmouth
Senator Peg Gilmour, Hollis
Senator Bette Lasky, Nashua
Representative Susan Almy, Lebanon
Representative Patty Cornell, Manchester
Representative & Alderwoman Mary Heath, Manchester
Representative & Alderman Pat Long, Manchester
Representative Mark Mackenzie, Manchester
Representative Latha Mangipudi, Nashua
Representative Hon. Jackie Weatherspoon, Exeter
Alderwoman Erin George-Kelly, Manchester
School Board Member Jason Bonilla, Manchester
School Board Member Sarah DeMartino, Madison
School Board Member Sean Parr, Manchester
Labor Leaders
Glenn Brackett, NH AFL-CIO, Northwood
Joe Casey, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 490, Rochester
Sue Hannon, Manchester Education Association, Derry
Kim Hokanson, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Local 349, Nashua
John MacNeil, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Bedford
Larry Moquin, Laborers’ International Union of North America, Bow
Brian Murphy, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 104, Walpole
Jeff Padellaro, Teamsters Local 633, Plaistow
Dave Pelletier, UA Local 131 Plumbers & Steamfitters, Dunbarton
Ryan Richman, American Federation of Teachers – NH, Manchester
Don Trementozzi, Communications Workers of America Local 1400, Epping
Business & Community Leaders
Gary Hirshberg, Holderness
Dr. Paul LeBlanc, Manchester
Sandra Almonte, Manchester
Howard Brodsky, Manchester
Joan Brodsky, Manchester
Suraj Budathoki, Manchester
Rafael Calderon, Manchester
Dan Calegari, Manchester
Gray Chynoweth, Manchester
Scott Cloutier, Manchester
Larry Drake, Portsmouth
Pat Findlen, Manchester
Judge Arthur Gajarsa, Holderness
Arthur Gatzoulis, Manchester
Dr. Wayne Goldner, Bedford
Laura Goldner, Bedford
Steve Grill, Center Harbor
Madalasa Gurung, Hooksett
Rifet Ibisvic, Manchester
Joan Jacobs, Portsmouth
Chloé Lacasse, Concord
Dr. Elliot Lasky, Nashua
Dung Le, Manchester
Michael Lewis, Concord
Dr. Salman Malik, Londonderry
Krishna Mangipudi, Nashua
Deo Mwano, Manchester
Letizia Ortiz, Bedford
Eyup Sener, Nashua
David Steelman, Manchester
Virginia Theo-Steelman, Manchester
Kari Thurman, Manchester
Alejandro Urrutia, Hudson
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About Joyce Craig
Born and raised in Manchester, Joyce Craig was elected the first woman mayor of Manchester in 2017. During her tenure, Manchester has added thousands of new jobs, has thousands of housing units in development, reduced school class sizes, and has reduced violent crime by 38 percent. Joyce led Manchester’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and its progress as a statewide leader in economic development. Elected in 2017 as the first woman to be elected to Manchester’s highest office, Mayor Craig has addressed some of Manchester’s most pressing challenges head-on through collaboration with residents, businesses, nonprofits and faith-based organizations.
Joyce began her public service in 2008, when, as the mother of three children, she was concerned by the challenges facing Manchester’s schools. She first won a seat on the Board of School Committee and then served as an Alderman for six years. A graduate of Manchester public schools, Joyce grew up in Ward 8 and attended Green Acres, Southside and Memorial High School, and then went on to earn her degree in Business Administration from the University of New Hampshire.
Joyce worked as a marketing director in Boston for 15 years, where she developed strategic plans and managed multimillion-dollar budgets. She also worked at a biotech startup, helping take the company public. Joyce is also an avid runner, who has completed 14 marathons, including 10 consecutive Boston Marathons.