Merrimack State Rep. Dick Hinch is a step closer to becoming the next Speaker of the New Hampshire House, after the incoming GOP caucus unanimously backed him to be their leader during a meeting in Manchester.
Hinch has led House Republicans for six years as Majority leader when the House was last under GOP control, and as Minority Leader when Democrats reclaimed the majority in 2018.
Should Hinch win election when the full House gathers for organization day on Dec. 2, and indications are that he will be, the real estate broker will preside over a 213-187 GOP majority.
House Democrats have elected Hampton Democrat Renny Cushing to be their leader.
Cushing has been a leading voice on progressive causes since the 1970s. He is entering his eighth term in the House and is chairman of the House Criminal Justice Committee.
In a statement, Hinch said, "Holding the office of Speaker is not ceremonial. It is a complex management role that requires experience and background knowledge in order to hit the ground running. Should I be elected Speaker by the House on December 2nd, I look forward to getting to work immediately, and working with all of our House members to keep New Hampshire the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”
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