In a night of big wins for the New Hampshire GOP, perhaps the biggest surprise was the defeat of Democratic Senate Leader Donna Soucy, who represents the one-time Democratic stronghold of Manchester. She was defeated by former state Rep. Victoria Sullivan in a race largely ignored by the mainstream media.
Sen. Shannon Chandley (D-Amherst) was also defeated, by state Rep. Tim McGough (R-Merrimack). Both Chandley and Soucy were targeted by the Republican State Leadership Committee, which ran ads highlighting their support for sanctuary city policies and opposition to popular Education Freedom Accounts.
“Congratulations to New Hampshire Republicans on a triumphant victory tonight despite national outside liberal groups pouring millions into the state this cycle in an attempt to change the political landscape in Concord,” said RSLC President Dee Duncan. “While national groups like the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) targeted New Hampshire to flip legislative chambers, Granite State voters rewarded state Republicans accordingly. The RSLC was proud to invest in state legislative races this cycle and we look forward to New Hampshire Republicans continuing to fight daily for Granite State families.”
The DLCC had targeted the GOP majority in Concord, spending nearly $2 million to flip the two chambers.
They didn’t have any success in the House, either. While final numbers were still coming in early Wednesday morning, sources in the GOP House leadership believe they will control 220 seats in the 400-member chamber — and perhaps more.
Much of their success came from once reliably Democrat communities like Coös County, where the GOP now controls every State House seat. Republicans also had wins in blue communities like Amherst and Nashua.
“It was a great night for State House Republicans,” said state party chair Chris Ager. “The New Hampshire Republican approach has been validated by the voters.”
House leaders were particularly pleased by the results in Rochester Ward 4. Two years ago, as the GOP was clinging to a 201-199 majority, a recount of the seat resulted in a tie. The seat eventually went to Democrat Chuck Grassie. Tuesday night, he was defeated by a Republican.
“Looks like there won’t be a tie in Rochester Ward 4,” tweeted Rep. Joe Sweeney (R-Salem). Republican Sam Farrington wins by over 10 points, picking up a seat in the House.”
House Republicans told NHJournal earlier in the day that they felt optimistic. But even they appeared taken aback by the level of their success.
Early on Tuesday, House Majority Leader Jason Osborne (R-Auburn) tweeted, “Wow. Everywhere we went today we found massive voter turnout. Whatever the results, the people will have spoken.”
Late Tuesday night, he followed up on that tweet.
“They have indeed spoken. Message received.”
