Republican gains at the New Hampshire State House are paving the way for new leaders. The incoming Senate majority is uniting behind behind Sen. Chuck Morse of Salem, while at least two Republicans will vie to be Speaker of the House.
Morse was Senate president the last time Republicans held the majority, and with the GOP winning 14 of 24 seats, he will be again, barring recounts. Democrats are seeking recounts in three close Senate races in which incumbents lost on this week.
In the New Hampshire House of Representatives, where Republicans picked up 56 seats for a 213-187 majority, Rep. Dick Hinch of Merrimack, who is now minority leader, will run for speaker, as will Rep. Al Baldasaro, of Londonderry.
Current House Speaker Steve Shurtleff announced he will step down from Democratic leadership in the next term. He’s led House Democrats for eight years and will back current House Majority Leader Doug Ley to lead the Democratic caucus in 2021.
