Super Majority Puts Democrats in Control in NH

By DAMIEN FISHER, InDepthNH.org

Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s agenda for the next two years is taking a back seat to Democrats, who now have veto-proof control in the House and Senate.

“Property taxes have skyrocketed, healthcare and prescription drugs are more expensive than ever, and public schools are struggling under decreased state funding for our communities,” said Rep. Alexis Simpson (D-Exeter) in a press release. “House Democrats are already rolling up our sleeves to bring costs down and deliver concrete results for Granite Staters. We look forward to doing so in 2027 and beyond.”

Democrats across the state offered various policy fixes during the campaign, from ending the Education Freedom Accounts, increasing per pupil funding to meet the $500 million ConVal lawsuit ruling, increasing taxes while holding the line against income taxes, increasing Medicaid and Medicare funding, cutting red tape to encourage housing construction, tightening environmental protections, legalizing marijuana, and even reintroducing the annual car inspection system.

But when asked what the first order of business will be for the super majority, House Democrat staffers resent the same press release.

House Speaker Sherman Packard (R-Londonderry) said in his own nearly farewell message he will make sure there is a smooth transition to the next leadership team.

“The voters have spoken, and I respect their decision. It has been the honor of my life to represent the people of Londonderry in the New Hampshire House for 36 years, and to serve my colleagues as Speaker for the last six,” Packard said. “I’m grateful to the voters who placed their trust in me repeatedly, to the members on both sides of the aisle I’ve worked alongside, and to the House staff whose dedication keeps this institution running.”

But who, exactly, Democrats will pick to lead them isn’t clear. Simpson, who served as the House Minority Leader has the indie track on the speakership. But less than 24 hours after the election, Rep. Jim Maggiore (D-North Hampton), announced his own campaign for the position.

“This is a turning point for our caucus and for New Hampshire,” he said. “We can’t meet this moment with the leadership of the past.”

Maggiore already has backing from Rep. Rosemarie Rung (D-Merrimack), who is on his campaign committee.

“For too long we have focused only on what we could prevent from happening,” Rung said. “We’re turning the page on that, and under Jim’s leadership, we will move forward with a positive approach that makes a difference in people’s lives.”

Maggiore is offering a collaborative approach to leading his caucus and the House, something Rep. Laurel Stavis (D-Lebanon) appreciates. 

“He is the right person at the right time to lead our caucus and preside over the House. We need a fighter. We need a long-term strategic thinker, and we need to include every member of our caucus in our legislative agenda,” Stavis said.

Rep. Jason Osborne, (R-Auburn), who was angling to become House Speaker before the GOP wipeout, said voters will want him and the Republicans back in control after two years of Democratic leadership. Osborne blamed Democrats for raising taxes in the future, once they take power in January.

“Not one Republican will vote for an income tax. Not one Republican will vote for a sales tax. Not one Republican will vote to gut the property tax cap. If Democrats want to tax New Hampshire, they will own it alone,” Osborne said.

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