Just hours after state GOP chairman Chris Ager announced he’s not seeking a second term, the party’s vice chair announced he’s running for the top job.
Republican state committee Vice Chair Jim MacEachern said Monday he’s a candidate for state party chairman.
“I’d like to start off by thanking Chairman Ager for his time of service to the New Hampshire Republican Party,” MacEachern said in a statement.
“In November, the people of New Hampshire sent a clear message — they overwhelmingly value the conservative ideals that make New Hampshire the great place it is. To protect our majorities in the New Hampshire House and Senate, hold the Corner Office, and win U.S. Senate and congressional seats, we need a united Republican Party.”
“We are at our best when we are on the same team. Make no mistake – the Democrats will be well-funded and well-organized, and we need to be united and ready to take them on. As your next NHGOP Chairman, I will ensure that we have the resources and organization to win up and down the ballot in 2026,” MacEachern added.
Also on Monday, First Congressional District GOP primary candidate Hollie Noveletsky announced she’s in the hunt for the vice chair position.
MacEachern isn’t the only Republican running for state party chair. Radio host and former Sullivan County chair Keith Hanson posted his announcement on Facebook Monday night. Hanson has unsuccessfully sought the chairman’s job twice before.
Republican businessman Lou Gargiulo of Hampton Falls, who lost to Ager in the chairman’s race two years ago, is believed to be considering another run. And the Union-Leader reported that “leading Republicans” are recruiting GOP strategist Michael Biundo to seek the chairman’s job.
“Being a chairman of the Republican Party can be a thankless job. In New Hampshire, especially with the lack of outside help, it’s an underfunded endeavor,” Biundo posted on social media after news of Ager’s exit broke.
“We need to modernize how we do things and realize the 2026 election started when the calendar changed to Nov. 6.”
MacEachern appears to be the early favorite.
“Jim MacEachern is a seasoned grassroots activist and respected community leader who is highly regarded throughout the party,” said veteran GOP strategist Jim Merrill. “He’s someone you want fighting for you – battle-tested and smart with a relentless work ethic. He would be a hell of a choice as the next chair.”
And while Ager didn’t endorse anyone in the chairman’s race, he didn’t hesitate to offer his praise for MacEachern’s performance.
“Jim has been a trusted advisor as vice chairman. He has been a valuable contributor to the executive board and party. I appreciate his friendship and support, and I wish him well.”
But the person many Republicans want to hear from before the state committee meets to vote for a new chairman on Jan. 25 is incoming Gov. Kelly Ayotte.
Ayotte posted a message praising Ager’s performance “helping elect Republican candidates up and down the ballot.” She has yet to comment about the race to pick a new chair, but multiple sources told NHJournal she has a good relationship with MacEachern.
He previously served as the NHGOP Assistant Treasurer and Derry Town Chair, and he currently serves as the Derry Town Council Vice Chair.
