AGP Executive Report

DNC Primary Fight: New Hampshire Democrats are still trying to keep their “first-in-the-nation” presidential primary alive after the DNC panel chose South Carolina for 2028, with NH officials and party leaders signaling they’ll hold their date while staying within DNC rules. U.S. Senate Watch: Democrats are resetting their Maine effort after Graham Platner’s implosion, naming Troy Jackson as the nominee to challenge Susan Collins—an outcome that could shape the broader Senate map Democrats are targeting. Immigration & Citizenship: A denaturalization case has been filed against an N.H. mother as the Trump administration ramps up scrutiny of foreign-born citizens, with USCIS saying it has “zero tolerance” for fraud. Child Welfare Oversight: Gov. Kelly Ayotte tapped former Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg as acting child advocate, drawing pushback from some lawmakers who worry his law-enforcement background could chill families from seeking help. Housing Policy: A new “mixed-use” housing law is colliding with local implementation, as municipalities and advocates wrestle with how to make the rules actually produce more homes. Election Tech: Election officials are urging caution as voters increasingly ask AI chatbots about voting—worried about wrong or outdated answers.

DNC Primary Fight: New Hampshire Democrats say presidential candidates will still campaign in the Granite State even after the DNC again stripped New Hampshire of its first-in-the-nation status, with party chair Ray Buckley arguing the calendar change won’t stop visits ahead of the 2028 primary. Child Welfare Oversight: Gov. Kelly Ayotte tapped former Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg as acting child advocate, but some lawmakers worry his law-enforcement background could make families hesitant to seek help. Education Policy: A new state survey finds teachers reporting that New Hampshire’s cellphone ban in schools is boosting focus and reducing classroom distractions. Immigration Enforcement: A statewide petition urges New Hampshire law enforcement agencies to end participation in the ICE 287(g) program, reigniting debate over local-federal cooperation. Public Safety & Courts: A federal trial began in a Somerset County detective’s lawsuit against Sig Sauer over an alleged unintentional discharge; separately, an Upper Valley man was sentenced to 35 years to life for the 2021 murder of his cousin. State Government Watch: An outside review cleared the head of the NH Division of Ports and Harbors of harassment claims but recommended more leadership training. Housing & Cost Pressure: A report warns that leaving the regional electricity grid would raise costs for NH ratepayers, while other coverage highlights ongoing efforts to expand housing options like manufactured homes and ADUs.

Democratic primary fight: The DNC’s Rules and Bylaws panel picked South Carolina to host the first 2028 presidential nominating contest, sidelining New Hampshire again and triggering fresh backlash from Granite State Democrats and national Democrats alike. Presidential politics in NH: A new NH poll shows Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez leading the 2028 Democratic field, underscoring how much the Granite State’s Democratic debate is being shaped by national figures. Election administration: A federal judge blocked New Hampshire’s proof-of-citizenship voter ID law, a reminder that voting rules here remain in court. Public safety and privacy: Communities are pushing back on Flock license-plate cameras, arguing the surveillance promise could become mass data collection. Food insecurity: New Hampshire SNAP enrollment fell about 3% from June 2025 to June 2026, and providers report rising pantry demand as benefits tighten. Courts and accountability: A Massachusetts jury awarded $56 million to an injured man after an Amazon delivery crash on an NH road, with Amazon stipulating liability. State policy and housing data: Maine’s Greenville housing numbers were questioned after a state portal showed 89 units when local officials say the real total was far lower. Environment and health: A Wilton woman sued NH over ending vehicle emissions inspections, alleging air quality has worsened.

DNC Chaos and NH’s FITN Fight: CNN’s Edward-Isaac Dovere says the DNC could face a “mutiny” as states like New Hampshire consider ignoring the committee’s lead-off primary orders, pointing to reported DNC financial strain and Chairman Ken Martin’s turmoil. Presidential Primary Calendar: The DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee selected South Carolina to lead the 2028 Democratic nominating schedule, leaving Iowa out and putting New Hampshire in the early group—setting up fresh pressure on NH Democrats and local leaders. GOP Midterm Enthusiasm Worry: New polling and turnout concerns have Republicans “in panic mode,” with analysis warning about a demotivated base in key states including New Hampshire. NH Legal/Tech: A New Hampshire teen and her mother sued Snap Inc. over alleged leaks of private images from Snapchat’s “My Eyes Only” feature. Local Politics: Navy veteran Ricky Hoyt announced a run for Coronado City Council.

DNC Primary Calendar Fight: The DNC’s rules panel picked South Carolina to lead the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, sidelining New Hampshire again and setting up an early lineup that also includes Nevada, New Hampshire, Michigan, and now Virginia and New Mexico. Maine Senate Shakeup: Maine Democrats formally nominated former state Senate President Troy Jackson to replace Graham Platner, who withdrew after sexual-assault allegations; Jackson now faces Sen. Susan Collins in a race seen as pivotal for control of the U.S. Senate. NH Voting Rights Court Clash: A federal judge blocked New Hampshire’s proof-of-citizenship voter ID law, keeping the fight alive over election rules. NH Tech & Youth Privacy: A New Hampshire teen and her mother sued Snap Inc. over alleged leaks of private images from Snapchat’s “My Eyes Only.” NH Energy Costs: A report highlights how rising electricity bills are pushing Granite Staters toward solar and exposing gaps in state energy assistance. National Clean-Energy Grants: The Trump administration acknowledged in court filings it canceled $7.6B in clean-energy grants based on which states voted for Kamala Harris in 2024.

DNC Primary Fight: The Democratic National Committee is set to put South Carolina first in the 2028 presidential primary, with Nevada next and New Hampshire pushed down the early lineup—an outcome that has already sparked backlash from New Hampshire Democrats and other states. Maine Senate Watch: Maine Democrats formally nominated Troy Jackson to replace Graham Platner after Platner withdrew amid sexual assault allegations; Jackson now faces Sen. Susan Collins in a race seen as pivotal for control of the U.S. Senate. NH Election Law: A federal judge blocked New Hampshire’s proof-of-citizenship requirement for voter ID, keeping the legal fight alive over election access rules. NH Courts & Privacy: A New Hampshire teen and her mother sued Snap Inc., alleging the company failed to protect private images stored in “My Eyes Only,” which they say were later leaked. Education Funding Fallout: New Hampshire’s school risk pools remain in legal and financial turmoil, with districts still dealing with surprise assessments and lingering uncertainty about how costs are covered. Energy Costs: A report highlights how rising electricity bills are outpacing assistance programs, leaving some Granite Staters turning to costly fixes like solar to survive.

Federal Courts: A federal judge blocked New Hampshire’s proof-of-citizenship voter ID requirement, a major test of how states can verify eligibility without running afoul of federal law. Presidential Politics: The DNC voted to put South Carolina first in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary calendar, pushing New Hampshire to later on the lineup and drawing immediate pushback from NH Democrats. Statehouse & Local Governance: Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed SB 592 to create a director and study commission for the Winnipesaukee River Basin Program, setting up next steps on regional wastewater authority planning. Elections & Parties: Maine’s Senate nomination scramble is ending as Troy Jackson moves toward the Democratic nomination after Graham Platner’s withdrawal, underscoring how quickly ballot access can shift. Energy & Federal Power: The Trump administration admitted in court filings it canceled $7.6B in clean-energy grants based on which states voted for Kamala Harris, fueling claims of political retaliation. Public Safety & Accountability: U.S. senators renewed calls for stronger ICE officer protections after deadly incidents, pressing DHS on body cameras and enforcement protocols.

Democratic primary calendar fight: The DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee voted to make South Carolina the first Democratic presidential primary in 2028, with Nevada second and New Hampshire third (Feb. 8), while Iowa is pushed out of the early window; the full DNC is set to ratify in August. New Hampshire pushback: NH officials and Gov. Kelly Ayotte vowed to keep the Granite State’s “first-in-the-nation” tradition under state law, even if the national party calendar says otherwise. Iowa backlash: Iowa Democratic leaders called the move a slap to Midwestern voters, while Iowa Republicans said the party let it happen. More early states: New Mexico and Virginia were added to the early lineup (Feb. 15 and Feb. 29), expanding the pre–Super Tuesday slate to six states. NH politics on the ground: In NH-1, Democratic candidate Carleigh Beriont defended the state’s primary role and urged an end to the war with Iran. Polling signal: A UNH survey found AOC leading early in the 2028 Democratic field in New Hampshire, underscoring how national party fights are colliding with local momentum.

Election Integrity & Voting Access: A conservative Republican argues NH’s SAVE Act push is flawed because it would require costly, in-person proof-of-citizenship systems with no funding for states to implement them. NH Courts & Criminal Justice: Portsmouth attorney Justin Nadeau, jailed over a client-funds fraud conviction, has appealed to the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Energy & Grid Policy: A new study says New Hampshire can electrically isolate from ISO New England, but it would likely raise costs for ratepayers by about $148 million (roughly 14%). Education Equity: A Dartmouth professor says NH must better support middle-income school districts to stabilize math and reading test outcomes. Childcare Capacity: A new NH tax credit aims to expand childcare seats, targeting a reported statewide deficit of thousands of slots. NH Politics 2028: A new Granite State Poll has Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez leading early Democratic presidential preference, keeping the 2028 race front and center. First Amendment Watch: Free-speech groups threaten litigation over Los Angeles’ ban on specific slurs at city meetings—another reminder that speech rules are becoming a national flashpoint.

2028 Primary Calendar Fight: The DNC meets in Washington this week to decide which states land in the early window for the 2028 presidential primary, with New Hampshire among the contenders and final approval expected later. Granite State Politics: New Hampshire Democrats are pressing U.S. Senate candidate John Sununu to “come clean” about alleged ties referenced in the Epstein email controversy. NH Federal Politics: Rep. Chris Pappas and Rep. Maggie Goodlander voted against the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, drawing a sharp response from the state GOP. Data Centers & Costs: Republican governors and utilities are signing onto Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge, arguing data-center power upgrades shouldn’t hit household bills—while NH candidate Cinde Warmington calls new Canada tariffs a “sales tax” on Granite Staters. Public Health: New Hampshire reported nine new cyclosporiasis cases tied to recalled Taylor Farms lettuce served at a Keene medical center cafeteria. Legal/Tech: A New Hampshire teenager sued Snapchat over its “My Eyes Only” feature after hacked explicit photos were allegedly shared online. Sports & Culture: WNBA’s Sophie Cunningham doubled down on her stance about transgender athletes, saying she wants to protect women’s sports.

Insulin Cost Relief: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s INSULIN Act of 2026 cleared the Senate HELP Committee 18-4, moving the $35-a-month insulin cap closer to a full Senate vote, though groups like the National Taxpayers Union are warning about possible premium impacts. AI Data Center Fight: With AI-driven data center growth stoking protests and utility-cost concerns, Trump is set to highlight 23 Republican governors’ “Ratepayer Protection Pledge,” a nonbinding effort aimed at shielding consumers from rate hikes. NH Voting Rights Court Battle: A federal judge refused to pause a ruling blocking New Hampshire’s proof-of-citizenship voting law while the state appeals, keeping the current system in place for now. Health Insurance Risk Pools: New Hampshire’s municipal and school health risk pools are stabilizing after deficits and legal fights over assessments, according to Secretary of State David Scanlan. 2028 FITN Primary Pressure: The DNC’s rules panel is weighing whether New Hampshire keeps its first-in-the-nation status, with Nevada and South Carolina emerging as top contenders and Democrats facing scrutiny for staying quiet. Local Public Safety Tool: The Blue Envelope Program is now live statewide to help drivers with autism or trauma-related disorders communicate during traffic stops. Maine Senate Watch: A UNH poll shows Troy Jackson in a tight race against Susan Collins, with young voters and women cited as key. NH Politics & Campaigns: AOC says she won’t rule out a 2028 White House run after a UNH poll shows her leading in New Hampshire’s early Democratic primary.

Voting Rights Fight: A federal judge refused to pause New Hampshire’s proof of citizenship law while the state appeals, keeping the current block in place for now. School Health Costs: A year after SchoolCare and risk-pool shocks left districts scrambling, state officials say financial maneuvers will return $3 million to affected school districts and municipalities. 2028 Primary Chess: Democrats’ DNC Rules panel is reportedly weighing whether Nevada or South Carolina goes first in the 2028 presidential primary calendar, with New Hampshire in the early mix either way. First-in-the-Nation Pressure: Republican Senate candidates Sununu and Brown are blaming U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas for any DNC move away from New Hampshire’s top spot. Insulin Relief Push: A bill to cap insulin at $35 a month advanced in Congress, with Shaheen leading and GOP objections failing to stop momentum. Food Assistance: SNAP enrollment fell in New Hampshire after federal program cuts, and local pantries say demand is rising fast. Local Infrastructure: Crews began removing the Bedford toll plaza as the state completes the shift to electronic tolling. NH Courts: The New Hampshire Supreme Court declined to reconsider its reversal of Adam Montgomery’s murder conviction, setting up a retrial. NH Politics Polling: A UNH survey shows AOC surging in the 2028 Democratic primary field in New Hampshire, while Rubio gains ground among Republicans.

Federal immigration enforcement: A new NH-focused op-ed warns the state’s entire 100-mile border zone puts residents in a “Constitution-free zone,” citing past Border Patrol transport checks and roving vehicle stops that reach deep into everyday life. Local LGBTQ+ politics: Rochester Pride returns Aug. 1 (rain date Aug. 2) with speakers including Mayor Chuck Grassie and state Reps. Amy Malone and Billie Butler, plus music, vendors, and community contests. Immigration detention fight: Anti-ICE protesters say they scored a win after Citizens Bank ended credit lines for two private prison operators tied to ICE, though activists plan to keep pressure on the bank. Defense funding showdown: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced sharp Senate questioning and protests over the Iran war’s estimated $37.5B cost and a new supplemental funding request, with New Hampshire’s Shaheen and Hassan among lawmakers pressing for transparency and strategy. NH governance at the local level: Gilford’s selectboard will hold hearings on solid-waste “dump fees” and a Breezeline cable franchise renewal. Housing policy: A federal change to manufactured-home definitions could force NH to update its law, potentially clearing the way for more options like tiny homes and yurts. Public safety: Nashua investigators say a suspicious apartment fire may have been intentionally set, with autopsies underway.

NH Politics & Government: Sen. Victoria Sullivan is pushing to remove HHS Commissioner Lori Weaver and the Division for Children, Youth and Families director after new turmoil at the Sununu Youth Services Center, including a reported assault that hospitalized a 13-year-old and a clinical director’s resignation tied to ethical concerns. Federal/State Policy: Rep. Maggie Goodlander says she’ll vote “no” on the National Defense Authorization Act over Trump’s Iran war approach and what she calls a lack of constitutional authority and transparency. Elections & Party Process: Democrats could take an early vote this week on the 2028 presidential primary calendar order, with final approval still pending the full DNC. Public Safety & Civil Rights: A New Hampshire coalition launched a petition opposing local police contracts with ICE under the 287(g) program, pointing to 27 NH agencies participating. Health & Consumer Protection: AG Ford announced a $29.6M multistate settlement with Glenmark over alleged generic drug price-fixing. Economy Watch: A new state employment update shows June unemployment fell in 30 states, rose in 7, and stayed flat in 14, with NH among the states seeing the biggest payroll job gains. Legal/Local Impact: A wrongful death lawsuit was filed over a 2023 private plane crash that left a Maryland woman dead after a stabilizer issue.

NOAA/UNH Economic Development: A NOAA Office of Coast Survey research facility at UNH in Durham is getting major local and state attention after a beam-signing ceremony, with backers calling it a “transformative” jobs and tax-base driver for the Durham campus expansion. Health Care & ACA Enrollment: Sen. Maggie Hassan met with Lamprey Health Care leaders in Raymond to warn that ACA enrollment is down in New Hampshire and that federal actions are raising costs and straining providers. Education Accountability: New Hampshire educators are pushing a new way to assess schools, arguing the state should move beyond a “check-box” approach toward continuous improvement and better measures. Energy Costs & Policy: A policy debate continues over how to lower electricity bills in New Hampshire, with lawmakers promoting small modular nuclear reactors while critics point to high rates and question timelines and costs. Housing Zoning Update: New Hampshire lawmakers moved to clarify and strengthen rules allowing multifamily housing in commercial zones, limiting how much towns can restrict projects. Sports Eligibility Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state “biological sex” rules for women’s sports, a decision that NH families and school policy watchers are now reacting to. Gun Search Lawsuit: A pro-Second Amendment group is pressing a lawsuit over a Hillsboro-Deering High School student’s truck search after officials learned he owned firearms. Pamela Smart Bid for New Trial: A judge heard arguments on whether Pamela Smart’s latest petition—challenging trial transcripts—can proceed. Transportation/Incidents: The Everett Turnpike in Bedford reopened after new toll equipment work, and a Southwest flight was diverted to Charleston after suspected fuel-leak concerns.

Pamela Smart Court Fight: A New Hampshire judge heard arguments Monday on Pamela Smart’s latest bid for a new trial, with her lawyers saying inaccurate transcripts of recorded conversations misled jurors and created unfair prejudice. Education & State Politics: Gov. Kelly Ayotte highlighted a WalletHub ranking putting New Hampshire schools fourth nationally, while the broader debate over how the state funds education continues to simmer. Second Amendment vs. Schools: The Second Amendment Foundation asked for summary judgment in a Hillsboro-Deering High School case alleging officials searched a student’s truck after learning he owned firearms, without consent. Energy Costs: A new explainer looks at why New Hampshire electricity bills are rising again, pointing to weather-driven demand, gas prices, and market mechanics. Democrats’ 2028 Primary Calendar: Democrats may vote this week on the order of the 2028 presidential primary calendar, with New Hampshire among the states seeking early placement. Ethics & Lawmaking: An ethics committee recommended censure for a New Hampshire House member over “defamatory” X posts, escalating the fallout from personal attacks in legislative politics. Israel Aid Divide: A report says a key House vote exposed a widening Democratic split over continued U.S. aid to Israel.