Dr. Karishma Manzur, a Bangladeshi-American medical scientist, is stepping out of the laboratory and into the arena of US national politics. She is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for the US Senate from New Hampshire.
Manzur is the daughter of Major General Muhammed Abul Manzur, a decorated Liberation War hero and sector commander of Bangladesh.
With more than two decades of experience in scientific research and civic activism, Manzur has entered the race promising to lower the cost of living, expand universal healthcare, promote affordable housing, protect the environment and reduce the influence of corporate money in politics.
Her first major political test will come on September 8, when New Hampshire Democrats hold their primary election.
A resident of Exeter, Manzur is campaigning on issues including reducing living costs, expanding access to healthcare, increasing affordable housing and childcare, protecting the environment and reforming campaign finance. In foreign policy, she advocates prioritizing diplomacy and peace over war.
Her campaign says she does not accept funding from corporate political interests.
According to Federal Election Commission data, her campaign had raised more than $206,000 as of June 30. More than $181,000 came from individual contributions, while $25,000 was provided by Manzur herself as a campaign loan.
Manzur holds a PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology and has more than 20 years of experience in biomedical research. Her research on epilepsy, depression and various neurological and psychiatric disorders has been published in several international scientific journals.
Her campaign says that if elected, Manzur would become the first woman with a PhD in a scientific field to serve in the US Senate.
Alongside her research career, Manzur has been involved for years in civic activism focused on democratic reform, workers’ rights, environmental protection and peace.
She has held leadership positions with New Hampshire Ranked Choice Voting and New Hampshire Open Democracy Action. She has also advocated for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
