Americans for Prosperity-New Hampshire is announcing its first slate of endorsements in the GOP state primaries, and while they’re backing some big-name incumbents like Speaker of the House Sherman Packard (R-Londonderry), they are also supporting a primary challenge to state Sen. Bill Gannon (R-Sandown).
“As the freest state in the nation, our state legislature plays a crucial role in protecting and growing the New Hampshire Advantage and ensuring Granite Staters have the freedom and opportunity they need to achieve their American Dream and prosper,” said AFP Regional Director Greg Moore.
With the endorsement comes the support of AFP-NH’s statewide network of grassroots activists and a pledge of door-to-door canvassing, digital ads, and mail on the candidates’ behalf.
“These candidates will expand opportunity and prosperity for all students, families, and workers in the Granite State. We are prepared to deploy our full grassroots capabilities to ensure these individuals represent ‘Live Free or Die’ values in the state legislature next year.”
Most notable is their decision to support House Assistant Majority Leader Emily Phillips (R-Fremont) in her primary challenge to Gannon, calling her “a proven leader on issues such as educational choice and workers’ freedom.”
“She is a champion of economic policy issues, including right-to-work legislation, and will play a crucial role in passing economic reforms that create opportunity for every Granite Stater.”
Gannon has been endorsed by Gov. Chris Sununu and the other 13 Republicans in the state Senate.
In the hotly-contested Executive Council District Four race, AFP is backing John Stephen. Stephen served as Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) from 2003 to 2007.
He’s facing off against the GOP’s nominee in the Second Congressional District two years ago, MAGA Republican Bob Burns, as well as activist Terese Bastarache, former state Sen. John Reagan (R-Deerfield), former State Board of Education member Ryan Terrell, and former state Rep. Ross Terrio (R-Manchester).
AFP-NH is also backing candidates who are challenging incumbent Republican House members who voted to indefinitely postpone HB 1377, a right-to work bill.
For example, AFP-NH is backing Brian Labrie and Danielle Evansic in Hillsborough-02, where the primary includes Rep. Linda Gould (R-Bedford). They’re also supporting Cindy Bennett and Brian Nadeau in Rockingham-04, matching up against Reps. Tim Cahill and Kevin Pratt. In Rockingham-30, it’s Matt Sabourin in a race with two right-to-work opponents, Reps. Jason Janvrin and Aboul Khan.
Other endorsements include:
State Rep. Joe Alexander (Hillsborough-29)
State Rep. Mike Drago (Rockingham-04)
State Rep. Josh Yokela (Rockingham-07)
Speaker Sherm Packard (Rockingham-16)
State Rep. Ron Dunn (Rockingham-16)
State Rep. Scott Wallace (Rockingham-32)
