Democrats are gunning for NH secretary of state post under new majority

David Scanlan, a Republican who has served as New Hampshire’s secretary of state since 2022, will face at least three challengers — and possibly more — for his position this year. Carleigh Beriont, a Hampton Select Board member who ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination in the 1st Congressional District this year, sent an email to all 424 state House and Senate members Tuesday morning asking for their support to become New Hampshire’s next secretary of state. James Butler, a policy adviser to former Gov. Maggie Hassan currently working for Eversource, similarly sent a letter to lawmakers last week asking for their support. And state Rep. Patrick Long, of Manchester, has also been courting lawmakers in an effort to secure the position. Under state law, the New Hampshire Legislature selects the secretary of state in December following each state election. That’s unlike many states, where citizens directly vote for the secretary of state.

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