Packard pick of House GOP to be speaker for a third term

Nov. 13—House Speaker Sherman Packard, R-Londonderry, won a third GOP nomination to lead the New Hampshire House of Representatives for the next two years.

Packard's election becomes official when the newly elected House members from both political parties meet Dec. 4 to choose its leaders.

House Republicans met behind closed doors Wednesday to pick Packard, 75, to lead them over four-term State Rep. Leonard Turcotte, R-Barrington.

Packard's victory was likely sealed by the Nov. 5 election results in which voters expanded the GOP majority in the House to 222-178 Democrats.

" As we move forward united, I am committed to working tirelessly in the next term to advance the principles that matter most to Granite Staters: safety, prosperity, and freedom," Packard said in a statement after the vote.

"Together, we will build a stronger future for our state by enacting our Contract with New Hampshire. Let's get to work!"

Packard was first chosen speaker in January 2021 after the sudden death of Merrimack Republican Rep. Dick Hinch who died following complications from COVID-19, days after he had become the House leader.

Turcotte, an airline captain pilot, had served on the national bargaining committee on behalf of his colleagues.

A Manchester native, Turcotte, 63, has been chairman of the House Municipal and County Government Committee for the past two years.

House Republicans did not identify the outcome of the secret ballot vote conducted in Representatives Hall, the House chamber.

Gov.-Elect Kelly Ayotte posted well wishes to the Republicans chosen to lead both legislative branches.

"Congratulations to Packard and Senator Ayotte posted on X Wednesday afternoon. "I look forward to working together to keep New Hampshire moving in the right direction."

Turcotte had run to Packard's right

Last week, Senate Republicans chose to promote Senate Majority Leader Sharon Carson, R-Londonderry to replace Senate President Jeb Bradley, R-Wolfeboro, who is retiring from elective politics.

Turcotte had campaigned to Packard's right, faulting the GOP leadership for making too many compromises with House Democrats in what was the most closely divided legislative chamber in 150 years.

He also contended that lobbyists had too much of a role in crafting priorities during Packard's tenure.

In September, House Majority Leader Jason Osborne, R-Auburn, and Packard had unveiled a 10-point, "Contract with New Hampshire" agenda they vowed to pursue in 2025-2026.

This included cutting taxes and lowering energy, health care and childcare costs while keeping in place the state restrictions on legal abortions.

The plan also embraced further bail reform to deny cash bail for those accused of violent crimes and a parental rights bill that would require parents be told of conversations their children have with school officials on topics such as gender identity.

House Democrats are meeting privately Thursday morning to choose their own leaders.

Democratic Leader Matt Wilhelm of Manchester isn't seeking a second, two-year term.

Instead, he's backing Deputy Democratic Leader Alexis Simpson of Exeter to succeed him.

Reps. Jonah Wheeler, D-Peterborough, and Alicia Gregg, D-Nashua, are running against Simpson for the post.