NH Senator Accused Of Domestic Violence Faces Write-In Challenge

CONCORD, NH — A prominent New Hampshire state senator charged with domestic violence is facing a write-in effort in Tuesday's primary. Jeff Woodburn (pictured), 53, is a Democrat from Dalton representing the North Country in District 1. Last month, he was arrested by Concord police and charged with hitting and biting an "intimate partner." He pleaded not guilty.

Woodburn had been running unopposed as he seeks re-election to a fourth term. However, his arrest prompted Kathleen Kelley, a timber business owner from Randolph, to launch a write-in effort.

Woodburn has refused calls to resign from politicians on both sides of the aisle. He stepped down from his Senate minority leader post following his arrest.

Kelley faces long odds Tuesday as a write-in candidate. In a statement, she said her campaign is not about "outstanding legal questions."

"This is a campaign focused on the North Country and the critical policy issues facing our communities," Kelley said. "The North Country is filled with incredibly resilient people who have an impressive history of innovation; however, our community has lost many jobs that allow residents to raise children, send them to college, and then comfortably retire. And we continue to lose many of our loved ones to the heroin and opioid crisis."

New Hampshire is the only state to hold a primary Tuesday. Voters will select candidates for governor, Congress and local representatives. The general election is November 6.

Rhode Island's primary is Wednesday and New York's is Thursday.

NH Primary September 11, 2018:

• NH Governor, Congress, Local Rep. Nominations In Primary
• NH Primary Election Hotline For Voting Problems
• Find Your NH Polling Place

Arrest Of NH Senator Jeff Woodburn:

• NH Senator Pleads Not Guilty To Domestic Violence Charges
• NH Senator Charged With Hitting Woman Refuses Calls To Resign
• NH Senate Leader Charged With Domestic Violence

Photo credit: Kathleen Kelley (left) and gencourt.state.nh.us (right)