The battle for the NH House

Good morning, New Hampshire, and welcome to a new week. Today, Ethan DeWitt looks at where things stand in the contest for control of the New Hampshire House of Representatives. In the Monday commentary, Ben Reynolds of the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute assesses the state’s labor market and what the data reveals about the challenges ahead. And, from States Newsroom’s David Lightman, the role data centers are playing in the lead-up to the midterm elections. Thank you for reading, and enjoy the day. — Dana

By Ethan DeWitt

There is no guarantee that New Hampshire Democrats will retake the state House of Representatives in November. But if they do, the path to victory goes through Manchester Ward 12, Goffstown, Londonderry, Sunapee, and Bedford. An analysis of 2024 election results by the Bulletin has found that Republicans in those towns are the most vulnerable should a “blue wave” hit New Hampshire this fall. In each of those five voting districts, a Democrat came within 0.5% of beating a Republican in the 2024 general election. Two weeks after the primary, state legislative candidates have a tight six weeks until the Nov. 3 election, and recent state and national polls indicate Democrats have some advantages across the ballot.

By Dave Lightman

The rare 2026 issue that draws huge support from Republicans and Democrats in Congress is the same one that’s mobilized many Americans: restrictions on giant data centers. The House has overwhelmingly passed legislation forcing state regulators to consider requirements that data centers absorb the cost of the electricity they use. But there’s more to be done, say data center critics, and they’re finding there is no easy or even obvious answer about what to do next.