New Hampshire Democrats Retake Executive Council, Gain Legislative Majorities
Despite redistricting advantages for Republicans, Democrats won all five council seats and are projected to hold large majorities in the state Senate and House.
By Elena Perry ·
New Hampshire voters elected Democrats to all five seats on the state Executive Council on Tuesday. This body holds final approval power over state contracts, judicial nominees, and top executive appointments. The win gives the party control of a powerful agency that had been dominated by Republicans since 2018.
The shift occurred despite district maps drawn in 2022 that favored the Republican Party. Democrats flipped four seats in this race. In the 4th District, Jim O’Connell defeated incumbent John Stephen. O’Connell serves on the Manchester school board and stated that judicial appointments would rely on competency rather than party affiliation.
In the 1st District, Luz Bay is leading Joe Kenney. Bay is a two-term state representative with a doctorate in educational measurement and statistics. Kenney, a retired Marine, had served on the council for 14 years. In the 3rd District, Lisa Kennedy Sheldon defeated Janet Stevens. Sheldon is a Portsmouth resident with a PhD in nursing. In the 5th District, Melanie Levesque of Brookline defeated David Wheeler, who had served nine terms as the longest-serving member.
Democrats also appear to have secured majorities in both legislative chambers. House Clerk Paul Smith announced on Wednesday that Democrats may hold a 292-107 advantage in the House, with one Independent. He noted that recounts and late-arriving votes could alter the final count. In the Senate, the Associated Press forecasts a 15-9 margin for Democrats, which is one vote short of a veto-proof majority. Several Senate races remained uncalled as of Wednesday.
Governor Kelly Ayotte, a Republican, won a second term on Tuesday. Her administration will face split control in Concord for the next two years. Ayotte had to contend with a legislative body that shifted heavily toward the opposition party during the same election cycle.
Rep. Alexis Simpson, the House Democratic leader, said her caucus is ready to lower costs and deliver results for residents. She emphasized a focus on concrete outcomes for 2027 and beyond. Councilor Karen Liot Hill, who won her second term from Lebanon, said voters made clear choices about their future. She noted the new composition allows for progress on state priorities.
The Executive Council also has the final say on judicial nominees. This includes selecting the next justice for the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Former Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald resigned in September following an ethics probe. The new council will handle that appointment as part of its confirmation duties.
