Anthony DiLorenzo, founder and owner of Key Auto Group, won the Republican primary Tuesday for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, putting the longtime auto executive on the November ballot for a seat that could be closely contested.
DiLorenzo received about 51% of the Republican vote, defeating Hollie Noveletsky, who received about 26%, and state Rep. Brian Cole, who received about 14%, according to New Hampshire Public Radio.
The victory marks DiLorenzo’s first run for public office. He founded Key Auto Group, which operates a chain of dealerships and collision centers and employs more than 1,000 people. DiLorenzo has emphasized his business background throughout the campaign, presenting his experience creating jobs and running businesses as a qualification for Congress.
“It’s my ability to create good jobs and deliver results,” DiLorenzo told reporters Tuesday night. “Something we haven’t had a lot of from our federal delegation in New Hampshire.”
DiLorenzo also benefited from an endorsement by President Donald Trump and put $1.6 million of his own money into the primary campaign, according to NHPR. He will face Democrat Stefany Shaheen in the November general election. Shaheen, the daughter of retiring U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, narrowly won the Democratic primary over Maura Sullivan.
The 1st District seat is open because Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas is leaving the House to run for the U.S. Senate. The National Republican Congressional Committee considers the district a key target in its effort to maintain Republican control of the House.
For the automotive industry, the race gives one of New Hampshire’s prominent dealership executives an opportunity to take his business experience into Washington if he wins in November.
