About Joyce

Born and raised in Manchester, Democrat Joyce Craig was the first woman elected Mayor of Manchester in 2017, and held the office for three terms. During her tenure, Manchester added thousands of new jobs, supported the construction of thousands of housing units, strengthened public education, and reduced violent crime by nearly 40 percent. Joyce built Manchester into a a statewide leader in economic development, creating opportunities and good-paying jobs for residents across the state. 

“Joyce’s leadership in Manchester and across the state makes 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.”

- Governor John Lynch

Joyce began her public service in 2008, when, as the mother of three young children, she wanted to change the direction of Manchester’s public schools. A graduate of Manchester public schools, Joyce won a seat on the Board of School Committee and then served as an Alderman for six years. 

Joyce became Mayor of Manchester after defeating a four-term incumbent Republican in 2017.

Now, Joyce is running for Governor against an extreme Republican, former-Senator Kelly Ayotte. As Governor, Joyce will give New Hampshire families the opportunities they need to succeed by strengthening our public schools, increasing affordable housing, and protecting access to abortion. Kelly Ayotte is wrong for New Hampshire. She voted for national abortion bans, voted to defund Planned Parenthood six times, and endorsed Donald Trump and his dangerous agenda that threatens our reproductive freedom and democracy.

This November, the stakes couldn't be higher and Joyce is the only candidate with a proven record to keep New Hampshire moving forward. 

Joyce and her husband, Michael, live in Manchester and have three children, William, Sarah, and Kathryn.

A Proven Record of Leadership as Mayor

join Joyce in creating a New Hampshire where every Granite Stater has the opportunity to succeed.

Together, we can move our state forward—