Here in New Hampshire, it is the Independent “party” (if you will) who are and have been in the majority, followed by Democrats and then Republicans. The House chamber seats 400 members with Republicans right now in a very slim majority holding 201 seats. One seat is still up for grabs as that election ended in a tie after all the votes were tallied in November, 2022.
Incumbent Democratic state Representative Chuck Grassie and his Republican challenger, David Walker, both of Strafford District 8 will be heading towards a special election on Feb. 21.
At the first vote count, Walker was the winner by one vote, 971-970. A recount was held on Nov. 16 resulting in a tie between the two men, 970-970.
Grassie’s political career dates back to the 1970’s when he sponsored a bill to decriminalize marijuana (talk about being ahead of your time!). Some of his sponsored bills were to raise the minimum age of marriage and to establish the solid waste management fund and grant program. He’s been a strong advocate for women’s reproductive rights and helped bills such as a cap on the cost of insulin to pass, among other legislation. He also served as head of the House Progressive Caucus.
Walker is a former mayor of Rochester, who is being endorsed by the anti-choice organization “New Hampshire Right to Life”.
If you would like to see New Hampshire legislate with the good of the people in mind, please help Chuck Grassie keep his seat so he can continue to do just that. Please go here to donate to help Democrats keep a key seat in the New Hampshire House blue!