N.H. House caucuses to pick their leaders

Nov. 12—Over the next two days, House Republicans and Democrats will meet behind closed doors to choose their leaders for the next two years.

Rep Sherman Packard, R-Londonderry, faces a challenge for his third term as House Speaker from Rep. Leonard Turcotte, R-Barrington, the chairman of the House Municipal and County Government Committee.

Packard is widely considered a heavy favorite, given that Republicans significantly expanded their working majority after last Tuesday's election.

The GOP's new 222-178 majority advantage is the biggest in a decade.

The Democratic contest to be decided Thursday has become more competitive now that House Democratic Leader Matt Wilhelm has decided not to seek another term in the role.

Wilhelm, a Manchester Democrat, is backing Deputy Democratic Leader Alexis Simpson of Exeter to replace him.

If Simpson wins, Wilhelm will become chairman of the House Democratic Victory Committee, which raised a record $2.9 million in 2024.

"Tuesday's results are not what we hoped for or expected. From looking at down-ballot results across the country, it's clear that MAGA ideology has taken root and that Donald Trump's coattails helped to pull state legislative candidates over the top," Wilhelm said in a statement.

"There is no sugarcoating it — House Democrats will have our hands full; and it's going to be more important now than ever to stay nimble and focused as we rise to the challenge before us. That is why I have made the decision not to run for N.H. House Democratic Leader."

Simpson reportedly has the support of the rest of the existing House leadership team that includes Reps. Lucy Weber of Walpole, Laura Telerski of Nashua, Brian Sullivan of Grantham, Karen Ebel of New London and Mary Jane Wallner of Concord.

But Simpson will be facing at least two challengers: Reps. Alicia Gregg, D-Nashua, and Jonah Wheeler, D-Peterborough.

"I believe in looking far beyond the surface disagreements to discover whys," Gregg wrote in an email to House Democrats. "I will not sugarcoat this; at best, we have an uphill battle ahead. Knowing the numbers for this upcoming session, we have to be prepared for what is to come. How we carry ourselves and our messaging has the opportunity to bring the voters back to us. When our party is healthy, our constituency is healthier. It would be an honor to serve as the Democratic Leader as we enter this new session and work with you to restore Granite Staters' faith in us."

On occasion, Wheeler came under criticism for breaking ranks and voting with House Republicans on social issues.