Kuster jumps in race for Hodes seat

Democrat Ann McLane Kuster will announce on Thursday that she will run for Rep. Paul Hodes’ (D-N.H.) seat, NHPoliticalReport.com reports (Log req.).

Hodes is running for retiring Sen. Judd Gregg’s (R-N.H.) seat next year.

Kuster will launch KusterForCongress.com and file the paperwork to form an exploratory committee for the 2nd District race on Thursday.

“I am running because I want to bring the voices of working New Hampshire families to Washington,” Kuster told NHPoliticalReport.com.

Kuster will likely face a crowded primary. New Hampshire Rep. John DeJoie is already in the race and Katrina Swett, who ran for the seat in 2002, also appears ready to jump in. Other Democrats eying the race include Mark Fernald and Executive Councilor Deb Pignatelli, according to NHPoliticalReport.com.

On the Republican side, the biggest fish would be former Rep. Charlie Bass, who held the seat before Hodes.

jeremy.jacobs@digital-stage.thehill.com