At a time when activist judges too often blur the line between legislation and adjudication, Gov. Kelly Ayotte made the right call in nominating Bryan Gould to the New Hampshire Supreme Court. For conservatives, this is a moment worth applauding, not because of political allegiance but because Gould exemplifies the judicial virtues we care most about: textual fidelity, restraint, and a belief that courts should interpret laws, not make them.
At its best, conservatism in the legal arena is not about political outcomes; it’s about how we interpret and apply the law. It is about following the Constitution as written, deference to the separation of powers, and respect for precedent where appropriate. These are the guardrails that prevent courts from becoming unelected legislatures and protect the public from the political whims of the day.
Over his four decades in practice, Bryan Gould has built a reputation as a disciplined, ethical lawyer. Colleagues and peers speak of his integrity and fairness. He is not someone who will legislate from the bench. He is someone who will uphold the court’s proper role.
It’s easy to talk about philosophy in the abstract. But what sets Gould apart is his depth of real-world experience.
He has litigated in state and federal courts, handled everything from election law to administrative disputes, and even served as special counsel to the governor and Executive Council, giving him a critical understanding of how government actually functions. That kind of practical, constitutional literacy is essential to avoiding judicial overreach.
Gov. Ayotte deserves real credit here. She put forward a nominee with sterling qualifications and a temperament that honors the role of a judge in our republic. Most importantly, she made a selection that strengthens New Hampshire’s judiciary without politicizing it. That is a win for everyone, but especially for conservatives who understand the long game of preserving the integrity and restraint of our courts. That is the kind of leadership conservatives should applaud.
For those of us who believe in following the Constitution, judicial restraint, and limited government, there is no better nominee to our state’s Supreme Court than Bryan Gould.
