NH Democrats Flip Legislature, Eye Family Leave Law

CONCORD, NH -- New Hampshire Democrats won control of the legislature on Election Day Tuesday, riding a Democratic wave that swept parts of the country. Prior to Election Day, Republicans held a 210-167 majority in the House and a 14-10 majority in the Senate. Democrats on Election Day were expected to end with at least a 14-10 majority; the exact House margin was not clear as results were still coming in late Tuesday.

Democratic leaders said voters made their intentions clear at the polls.

"They voted for paid family and medical leave, access to affordable health care, resources to combat the opioid crisis, and to continue supporting our local public schools," Senate Democratic Leader Donna Soucy said in a statement. Soucy, of Manchester, was re-elected and expected to become the new Senate president.

Voters in Concord made history by electing 27-year-old Democrat Safiya Wazir, who escaped the Taliban and recently earned her American citizenship.

The blue wave was blocked at the governor's office, as incumbent Republican Chris Sununu was re-elected. Voter turnout Tuesday was expected to set a record for a midterm election in New Hampshire. Secretary of State Bill Gardner predicted more than 500,000 voters will cast ballots, which would be a first for a midterm in the Granite State.

New Hampshire, with its 424-member state legislature, has the largest such body in the country.

• NH Election Results: Full Democratic Wave Blocked By Governor Sununu

A pair of high-profile lawmakers on both sides of the aisle faced controversy in the weeks leading up to Election Day. State Rep. Frank Sapareto, a Derry Republican, was accused of assaulting the producer of a porn film that Sapareto starred in. Sapareto, 58, has served six terms as state representative and is seeking a seventh term November 6. If elected, he said he plans to run for House Speaker. Sapareto has denied the claim that he hit the producer.

Meanwhile, North Country Democratic State Senator Jeff Woodburn was arrested and charged with hitting and biting a woman. He pleaded not guilty to nine alleged crimes, including assault, threatening and trespassing.

Both Sapareto and Woodburn lost their races Tuesday.

Photo credit: Tony Schinella/Patch