AGP Executive Report

Governor’s Race: Gov. Kelly Ayotte and Democrat Cinde Warmington clashed in their first debate, trading attacks over housing, energy costs, taxes and Trump’s tariffs. Warmington blamed Ayotte for rising household bills; Ayotte said Warmington’s climate plan would drive costs higher. Senate Contest: Republican John Sununu picked up endorsements from two business groups as he challenges Democrat Chris Pappas. New Hampshire has drawn $77.6 million in Senate advertising, a sign of the race’s importance. Voting Rules: New Hampshire asked the U.S. Supreme Court to reinstate its ban on student IDs as voter identification, putting the law in flux ahead of the Nov. 3 election. The Ballot Law Commission also heard concerns about voting machines. Medicaid: A state policy institute estimates stricter work-reporting rules could cost 23,000 to 29,000 Granite Staters their coverage by 2028. The state disputes the estimate; the requirements take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Local Elections: Four candidates are competing for two Belknap District 8 House seats representing Belmont, Tilton and Sanbornton.

Election Security: New Hampshire’s Ballot Law Commission heard concerns that vote-counting machines may emit questionable radio frequencies and operate as “black boxes.” Vendors said the machines do not connect to the internet, and officials said the claims were unsupported. Health Coverage: A New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute report warns that as many as 29,000 residents could lose Medicaid by 2028 as new work requirements and more frequent eligibility reviews take effect. Campaign Trail: Senate District 5 candidates Suzanne Prentiss and Conrad Schoeffter both cite affordability and property taxes, but differ on education spending and public services. Senate nominee John Sununu is airing an ad stressing he has never met Trump and would oppose policies harmful to the state; Kamala Harris endorsed gubernatorial candidate Cinde Warmington ahead of a New Hampshire visit. Voting Rights: New Hampshire has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in the dispute over students using college IDs to vote. Statehouse Races: A new analysis lists both New Hampshire legislative chambers among the country’s most competitive this fall.

NH-01 Race: Democrat Stefany Shaheen denied supporting abolishing ICE during Monday’s debate, despite previously saying the agency should be dismantled. Republicans also filed an FEC complaint alleging her campaign’s donor disclosures were incomplete or changed; the allegations have not been adjudicated. Energy Policy: Gubernatorial candidate Cinde Warmington dropped her 2040 net-zero target, saying the Trump administration’s loss of federal funding made it impossible. Local Elections: Croydon school board members face an election-law complaint over a board-approved flyer urging voters to reject a proposed property-tax cap. Voting Access: Voting advocates urged the U.S. Supreme Court to preserve a ruling allowing election officials to consider student IDs when voters lack other identification. Court Oversight: A former judicial watchdog says the New Hampshire Supreme Court scandal may warrant investigation for potential federal crimes. Ballot Security: Voting-machine companies told the Ballot Law Commission their tabulators lack internet connections, disputing a claim that a machine emitted radio signals; a cybersecurity expert said the signal may have come from another source.

YDC Settlement: Abuse survivors are asking the New Hampshire Supreme Court to undo changes giving Gov. Kelly Ayotte control over the settlement fund’s administrator and the attorney general veto power over awards. Ukraine Inquiry: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen is leading a bipartisan call for a Pentagon investigation into disruptions to satellite and intelligence services used by Ukraine, which lawmakers say may have endangered U.S. personnel. AI and Elections: The FCC is weighing a bid to allow political robocalls to cellphones, including AI-generated voices; critics warn of deception, and the proposal recalls the 2024 New Hampshire calls impersonating Joe Biden. Governor’s Race: Kelly Ayotte and Cinde Warmington both back a pause on new data centers, but differ on timing; Warmington also proposes a housing czar, while Ayotte points to permitting reforms. Maternal Health: Two northern New Hampshire organizations received $119,705 in grants to expand birth-worker support and care for pregnant and parenting women facing substance-use challenges. State Senate: Democrat Cecil Ables has withdrawn from the Rochester-area race over a residency requirement but says his name will remain on the ballot.

Senate Race: Turning Point Action is organizing in New Hampshire to help Republican John Sununu, while California Gov. Gavin Newsom campaigned for Democrats and urged the party to rally behind gubernatorial nominee Joyce Craig? No—Newsom urged Democrats to back Warmington, as the state’s competitive races draw national attention. Candidate Shake-up: Democratic state Senate candidate Cecil Ables withdrew after realizing he didn’t meet residency requirements; he’ll remain on the ballot but says he won’t serve if elected. Voting Rules: New Hampshire is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in the fight over whether student IDs can be used to vote. Absentee ballots are now available. Public Policy: Candidates agree the state should freeze new data-center permits, though they differ on timing. In Concord, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. renewed his attack on the hepatitis B vaccine, which inspired a state anti-vaccine bill. Voter Turnout: “No Kings” rallies across New Hampshire urged residents to vote in the Nov. 3 midterms.

Campaigns: Turning Point Action is building a New Hampshire operation for Republican Senate nominee John Sununu, including absentee-ballot training and campaign sign distribution, as the group targets a closely watched race against Democrat Chris Pappas. Voter Turnout: “No Kings” rallies across the state urged Granite Staters to vote in the Nov. 3 midterms, while absentee ballots are now available. Voting Rules: New Hampshire has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in the fight over student IDs at the polls, after a judge allowed them as backup identification. Robocalls: The FCC is considering loosening rules for political robocalls, potentially allowing AI-generated voices without prior consent. The proposal revives concerns in New Hampshire, where a 2024 fake Biden-voice call targeted voters. State Policy: Candidates in a Concord-area race agree the state should pause new data-center permits, but differ on how quickly to act. Public Health: In Concord, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. questioned the hepatitis B vaccine’s safety but declined to discuss the New Hampshire bill inspired by federal changes to vaccine guidance.

Election Rules: The FCC is considering allowing political robocalls to cellphones without prior consent, with a decision possible later this month—a concern in New Hampshire, where a fake Biden-voice robocall targeted voters in 2024. Campaign Trail: California Gov. Gavin Newsom campaigned in New Hampshire for Democrats, urging support for Cinde Warmington and Chris Pappas and telling the party to get “ruthless.” Voting Access: New Hampshire asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block a ruling allowing student IDs as backup proof of voter identity. Absentee ballots are available; voters must request them by Nov. 2. Political Threats: Gov. Kelly Ayotte urged X to suspend the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire’s account over posts advocating violence. The state Secretary of State’s Office also received a suspicious letter containing white powder as federal investigators examine mailings nationwide. Voter Mobilization: “No Kings” rallies in Concord, Nashua and elsewhere urged Granite Staters to vote. New Hampshire has no early in-person voting, so organizers encouraged people to check registration and make an Election Day plan.

Voting Rights: A federal appeals court rejected New Hampshire’s bid to pause a ruling allowing election officials to consider student IDs alongside other documents when verifying voters. The state has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene. Absentee ballots for the Nov. 3 election are now available through local clerks. Political Violence: Gov. Kelly Ayotte urged X to suspend the New Hampshire Libertarian Party’s account after posts advocated killing Democrats, including House Minority Leader Alexis Simpson. Health Care: Ayotte said Medicare Advantage plans will be available in Coos and Carroll counties in 2027, after speaking with federal health officials. Campaigns: The U.S. Senate race is heating up, with John Sununu and Chris Pappas clashing over Social Security and Trump’s war with Iran, while 1st District candidates Stefany Shaheen and Anthony DiLorenzo traded accusations over her nonprofit work and his financial disclosures. Election Security: New Hampshire election offices were among those nationwide sent suspicious letters containing white powder; federal investigators are probing the mailings.

Election Security: Federal authorities are investigating suspicious mail sent to election offices in at least 15 states; New Hampshire’s secretary of state confirmed a letter containing white powder was intercepted. Separately, the FCC is weighing whether to loosen political robocall rules, including for AI-generated voices — a notable issue in the state where a fake Biden robocall targeted voters in 2024. Voting Rules: New Hampshire has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block student IDs from being considered at the polls, keeping a legal fight over voter identification alive ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Political Violence: Gov. Kelly Ayotte is urging X to suspend the state Libertarian Party’s account after posts called for political violence. Senate Race: Republican John Sununu told NHPR he opposes cuts to Social Security benefits and supports more oversight of ICE, while Democrats continue attacking his backing for Trump’s Iran war. Local Government: State police are investigating a reported roadside exchange involving Claremont Mayor Dale Girard, who denies any physical altercation.

Election Misinformation: The FCC is weighing a waiver that could let political groups make unsolicited robocalls to cellphones, potentially using AI-generated voices. New Hampshire’s 2024 fake Biden robocall shows the risks. Political Threats: Gov. Kelly Ayotte urged X to suspend the New Hampshire Libertarian Party’s account after posts endorsed political violence and threatened House Democratic Leader Alexis Simpson. State and federal authorities are in contact. Voting Rules: New Hampshire is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to block student IDs from being used to vote, after an appeals court left them available as backup identification. Local Government: State police are investigating a roadside incident involving Claremont Mayor and state Rep. Dale Dirard, his wife and another person. Police have released few details. Campaigns: Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill, the council’s only Democrat, is seeking reelection against Republican Tobin Menard, who says judicial appointments should be based on law and the Constitution. Election Security: Federal investigators are probing more than 100 suspicious letters sent nationwide; New Hampshire offices were among those reported to have received them.

Voting Rules: New Hampshire is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to bar election officials from considering student IDs as backup proof of identity, after a federal appeals court allowed their use under a safety-valve provision. Election Security: Federal investigators are probing suspicious letters sent to election offices nationwide; New Hampshire officials say the state was among the targets. The FCC is also weighing looser rules for political robocalls, reviving concerns after a fake Biden-voice call targeted New Hampshire voters in 2024. Senate Race: Former Republican nominee Don Bolduc endorsed Democrat Chris Pappas, citing his work for veterans, while state Republicans dismissed the move. Pappas raised $8.1 million in the third quarter. Campaign Trail: California Gov. Gavin Newsom is set to campaign for New Hampshire Democrats, joining a stream of national figures visiting ahead of Election Day. State Politics: Gov. Kelly Ayotte urged X to suspend the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire’s account over posts calling for violence against Democrats. Education: U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon visited Manchester schools to promote school choice and the federal scholarship tax-credit program, which New Hampshire has joined.

Voting Rules: A federal appeals court left in place a ruling allowing New Hampshire election officials to consider student IDs as backup proof of identity; they still cannot be used alone to obtain a ballot. Absentee ballots are now available for the Nov. 3 election. Campaign 2026: John Sununu and Chris Pappas appeared together at a Salem forum as they compete for the U.S. Senate seat. Housing affordability is also a key issue in the governor’s race: Kelly Ayotte points to zoning changes and faster permitting, while Cinde Warmington proposes state funding for affordable construction and limits on private-equity home purchases. Political Calls: The FCC is considering loosening rules on political robocalls, including calls using AI-generated voices, ahead of the midterms. The proposal carries special resonance in New Hampshire, where a consultant was fined over 2024 calls mimicking Joe Biden. Local Government: Claremont’s city manager search has narrowed to three candidates, with interviews underway and a decision expected in the coming weeks. Energy Costs: Laconia, Londonderry, Merrimack and Windham renewed municipal electricity programs, securing fixed supply rates through October 2027.

U.S. Senate Race: Chris Pappas and John Sununu clashed over Social Security at an AARP forum, with Pappas urging higher taxes on wealthy earners and Sununu defending his past private-account proposal. Their campaigns also traded fire: a Republican super PAC revived Pappas’ 2011 game-show appearance, while Cinde Warmington filed a complaint over an ad attacking her energy plan. House Race: Speaker Mike Johnson campaigned in Portsmouth with Republican Anthony DiLorenzo, predicting a win over Democrat Stefany Shaheen in the closely watched NH-01 contest. Voting: Absentee ballots for the Nov. 3 general election are now available through local clerks; New Hampshire voters must meet state eligibility rules to vote absentee. Schools and Tuition: Bedford school leaders warn the proposed property-tax cap could mean a $1.4 million budget cut. Gov. Kelly Ayotte, meanwhile, is proposing free community-college tuition for students from families earning up to $100,000, subject to legislative approval. Election Rules: The FCC is weighing a waiver that could loosen restrictions on political robocalls, including AI-generated voices—a live concern in New Hampshire after the 2024 fake Biden robocall scandal.

Campaign 2026: Chris Pappas and John Sununu traded attacks in their first U.S. Senate debate, as former Vice President Kamala Harris prepares to campaign for Pappas in New Hampshire on Oct. 24. Election Rules: The RNC has backed New Hampshire in its fight over student voter ID rules, while the legal dispute continues. Separately, the FCC is weighing a waiver that could allow political robocalls to cellphones without consent—a proposal drawing scrutiny in the state where a fake Biden-voice robocall targeted voters in 2024. Senate Stakes: New Hampshire political operative Aaron Day is taking his spoiler-candidate strategy nationwide, targeting the state among eight where he hopes to boost third-party candidates and cost Republicans Senate seats. Housing: A bipartisan New Hampshire Forum produced six proposals to make housing more affordable; state lawmakers will consider which to turn into bills for 2027. Schools and Energy: A new report warns New Hampshire faces persistent teacher recruitment and retention challenges. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen joined a bipartisan group urging President Trump to reverse his Russian diesel deal, arguing it could help finance Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Senate Race: Chris Pappas and John Sununu traded jabs in their first debate, disputing their records and how closely Sununu is tied to President Trump. They also clashed over Social Security, with Sununu declining to detail proposed changes. Voting Rules: The Republican National Committee urged a federal judge to uphold New Hampshire’s new limits on student IDs at the polls. A separate FCC proposal could loosen restrictions on political robocalls, including AI-generated calls—a notable issue in New Hampshire after a fake Biden-voice robocall targeted voters in 2024. YDC Abuse Cases: Survivors are watching Wednesday’s state Supreme Court arguments over Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s changes to the settlement fund; the ruling could affect how hundreds resolve claims of abuse in state custody. Russia Sanctions: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen joined a bipartisan group urging Trump to reverse his Russian diesel deal, arguing it could aid Moscow’s war effort and violate federal law.

Housing Policy: A first New Hampshire Forum brought 55 residents from across the political spectrum together to propose six ways to make housing more affordable. A bipartisan group of lawmakers will consider turning them into bills for 2027. Voting Access: A legal fight over student IDs remains unresolved: a federal judge blocked the secretary of state’s directive barring their use, but the law removing student IDs from the list of accepted voter identification remains in effect, and the state has sought a stay. U.S. Senate Race: A new Cook Political Report rating shifted New Hampshire’s open Senate contest from toss-up to lean Democratic, as Chris Pappas faces Republican John Sununu. Russia Sanctions: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen joined five Democrats and Republicans urging President Trump to reverse his decision to allow Russian diesel imports, saying it violates a 2022 law and was made without required consultation with Congress. Teacher Workforce: A new state analysis warns New Hampshire may need as many as 1,100 new teachers a year, citing fewer education graduates, looming retirements and low pay—even as student enrollment has fallen.