Joyce Craig | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 56th Mayor of Manchester | |
| In office January 2, 2018 – January 2, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Ted Gatsas |
| Succeeded by | Jay Ruais |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Michael Craig |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | University of New Hampshire ( BA) |
Joyce Craig is an American politician who served as the 56th mayor of Manchester, New Hampshire. [1] She was the first female mayor of the city, having been elected in 2017. [2] [3]
In May 2023, Craig formed an exploratory committee for a potential bid for governor in the 2024 election. [4] She announced her bid for the Democratic nomination on July 12. [5]
Mayor of Manchester
Elections
Craig's first political campaign came in 2007, when she was elected to the Manchester School Board. In 2009, she was elected to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, where she represented Ward 1 from January 3, 2010 to January 3, 2016, until her first campaign for mayor in 2015, which she narrowly lost. [6] Craig finished second in the nonpartisan blanket primary, thus advancing to face incumbent mayor Ted Gatsas in the general election, where she lost in a recount by 64 votes. [7]
In 2017, Craig again challenged Gatsas, this time finishing first in the nonpartisan blanket primary and defeating Gatsas in the general election 53% to 46%. In doing so, Craig became the first woman ever elected as mayor of Manchester. [3]
Tenure
Craig was sworn in as the 56th mayor of Manchester on January 5, 2018, promising in her inauguration to focus on improving school quality, combating the opioid epidemic, and promoting the creation of high-tech jobs in the city. On March 16, 2023, Craig announced that she will not seek a fourth term as mayor. [8]
Personal life
Joyce and her husband, attorney Michael Craig, have three children, William, Sarah, and Kathryn. [9]
References
- ^ "Craig Sworn in as First Woman Mayor of Manchester". January 2018.
- ^ DiStaso, John (March 21, 2017). "Craig Running for Mayor". WMUR. Retrieved February 20, 2018.
- ^ a b Sutherland, Paige (November 8, 2017). "Joyce Craig Becomes Manchester's First Elected Female Mayor". NHPR. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
- ^ Sexton, Adam (May 1, 2023). "Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig forms exploratory committee for run for New Hampshire governor". WMUR. Retrieved May 1, 2023.
- ^ "Joyce Craig, the Democratic mayor of Manchester, launches bid for governor of New Hampshire". AP News. July 12, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
- ^ DiStaso, John (March 21, 2017). "Updated NH Primary Source: Gabby Giffords gun control group to air radio ads hitting Sununu on carry law". WMUR. Retrieved May 8, 2019.
- ^ DiStaso, John (September 19, 2017). "Manchester mayoral primary: Craig finishes first, Gatsas second; both advance to general election". WMUR. Retrieved May 8, 2019.
- ^ "Joyce Craig announces she will not run for reelection as mayor of Manchester". WMUR. March 16, 2023. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
- ^ Niroula, Tilak (November 6, 2019). "Wishing Joyce Craig good luck in her second term as mayor of Manchester". Manchester Ink Link. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
