WASHINGTON — On the eve of the New Hampshire presidential primary, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is announcing its first slate of Spotlight candidates in the Granite State. After flipping both chambers of the General Court from red to blue in 2018, Democrats made historic improvements on education funding, criminal justice reform, expanded mental health services, and property tax relief. Protecting and expanding those majorities will be key to standing up to Governor Sununu and fighting for further progress in the state.
“Granite Staters saw what happens when we flip state legislatures from red to blue,” said DLCC President Jessica Post. “Our Spotlight candidates for New Hampshire have incredible records of public service and will keep fighting for progress in the House and the Senate.”
After making huge gains in 2018, New Hampshire Democrats currently hold 14 of the 24 seats in the Senate and 233 of the 400 seats in the House. 73 percent of DLCC Spotlight candidates in the state have won their races since 2017. This year’s first slate includes five House and five Senate candidates who are on the ballot this November:
- Representative Sue Mullen (HD Hillsborough 7), an educator who has been a committed advocate for students and families.
- Representative Liz McConnell (HD Rockingham 11), an outspoken community leader who has worked to pass a paid family leave program and independent redistricting reform.
- Diane Hanley (HD Belknap 2), an environmental advocate and former environmental science educator who plans to use her expertise to tackle the climate crisis.
- Nikki Fordey (HD Hillsborough 20), a licensed social worker and alcohol and drug counselor who is committed to reforming the health care system to provide better support for all.
- Ed Rajsteter (HD Grafton 15), a director of a nonprofit that provides addiction-recovery services to victims across northern New England who will fight for better health care and a more equitable criminal justice system.
- Senator Shannon Chandley (SD-11), a dedicated public servant who has fought to improve public education, strengthen the economy, and tackle addiction and substance abuse.
- Senator Melanie Levesque (SD-12), the first African-American lawmaker in the New Hampshire state Senate and a champion for redistricting and voting reforms.
- Senator Jon Morgan (SD-23), a committed public servant who fights to hold special interests accountable and put Granite State families first.
- Bill Bolton (SD-02), a former state employee with over three decades of experience who is dedicated to making health care more affordable and improving education.
- Jenn Alford-Teaster (SD-08), a public health professional from a working-class family who is passionate about improving health care access in rural communities.
Read more about DLCC Spotlight candidates here
The DLCC and state Democrats have flipped more than 430 state legislative seats and 10 chambers from red to blue since 2016, including the New Hampshire House and Senate. As part of its 2020 Flip Everything campaign, the DLCC plans to spend $50 million to target Republican-controlled legislatures across the country.
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