The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Dec. 19, 2025
In 2022, New Hampshire Republican Governor Chris Sununu vetoed radically gerrymandered congressional districts, saying the map QUOTE, “Didn’t pass the smell test.” Current GOP Governor Kelly Ayotte stated she’s not supportive of mid-decade redistricting, but two GOP legislators are proposing a 2026 bill anyway.
With already-gerrymandered state senate, house and executive council districts, New Hampshire’s legislature has been GOP-dominated over the last decade. Federal seats are a different story. New Hampshire has only two congressional seats, both held by Democrats, as are both U.S. Senate seats.
After Sununu’s 2022 veto, the New Hampshire Supreme Court later appointed a special master which drew the current maps by only adjusting the previous districts.
Speaking on WMUR in August, Governor Ayotte said QUOTE, “The timing is off for this because we are literally in the middle of the census period, and when I talk to people in New Hampshire, it’s not at the top of their priority list.”
State senator Dan Innis, co-sponsor of HB 1300, said in a separate August WMUR interview, that he doesn’t want to gerrymander, but wanted accurate districts in his state. He said he wants to apportion districts, QUOTE, “Where they should be.” Previous maps packed Democrats into Congressional District 2, and manipulated District 1 to lean Republican. If it passes and Ayotte vetoes the bill, an override is unlikely.
We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
NH Public Radio – (2022) Sununu rejects latest congressional map from GOP lawmakers, leaving N.H.’s districts up to the courts
The Portsmouth Herald – As redistricting battles heat up in other states, Ayotte says no to redistricting in NH
WMUR – Little momentum seen for congressional redistricting in New Hampshire
WMUR – Dan Innis calls for redistricting as he seeks Trump endorsement
New Hampshire General Court – HB 1300 as Introduced by Rep. Ankarberg, Straf. 7; Sen. Innis, Dist 7
Groups Taking Action:
Open Democracy Action, NH Campaign for Voting Rights, League of Women Voters
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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