Its official: Sen. Andrew Hosmer of Laconia will not be returning to the New Hampshire Senate next year.
The Laconia Democrat hoped to pick up votes in Wednesday’s recount, but Republican Harold French's margin of victory in the District 7 race actually increased by 4 votes.
Dozens of volunteers filled the State Archives building Wednesday to re-tally the more than 26,000 ballots cast in the race. The counting began at 9 a.m. and didn’t end until after 8 p.m.
The victory by French, a former state representative from Franklin, means Republicans will maintain their 14-10 majority in the state Senate.
“Given the Republican turnout this year and sort of the larger atmospherics that he was up against – to come within 17 votes is impressive," said Hosmer's spokesperson Lucas Meyer. "And he ran a really strong campaign but given the makeup of that District it was an insurmountable headwind for him to come over.”
Sen. Lou D’Allesandro, who won a 10th term this month, says he’s disappointed Hosmer won’t be joining him next year at the State House.
“I think he was an outstanding Senator – very progressive guy, lot of good ideas, worked hard in the Senate," D'Allesandro said. "And you miss that commitment, you always miss that commitment.”
Hosmer has not yet conceded the race. Meyer said there are still ballot challenges they’re going to fight.