House Democrats promote one of their own

Nov. 14—House Democrats chose to promote four-term State Rep. Alexis Simpson of Exeter to serve as their leader for the next two years.

During a closed-door caucus, Simpson prevailed over two other declared Democratic candidates, Reps. Jonah Wheeler of Peterborough and Alicia Gregg of Nashua.

For the past two years, Simpson had served as deputy Democratic leader under Rep. Matt Wilhelm of Manchester.

"House Democrats are ready to hold the line against extreme Republican legislation and fight for policies that uplift hardworking families and propel our state forward," Simpson said.

"Together, we will work to serve every Granite Stater and build the foundation for future success within our caucus."

Voters elected 222 Republicans and 178 Democrats to serve in the House of Representatives.

After Democrats lost seats in the Nov. 5 election, Wilhelm decided to step aside and instead take the role of chairing the Democratic Victory Campaign Committee, the political action committee that has the goal of flipping the House in 2026.

The committee raised a record of $2.9 million during the 2024 election cycle.

Democratic Party Chairman Raymond Buckley praised the choice.

"She's stood firm against far-right Republican extremism, helping block some of the most regressive legislation we've seen from the NH GOP in recent years, and is prepared to do so again while also finding common ground with every legislator," Buckley said in a statement.