Three Challengers Seek to Unseat NH Secretary of State David Scanlan

A Power Shift in Concord

New Hampshire’s long-standing tradition of nonpartisan stability in its Secretary of State’s office is facing an unprecedented challenge.

Following a massive swing in this month’s state elections—where Democrats secured nearly 300 of the 400 House seats and 15 of 24 Senate seats—the legislative majority is now moving to reshape an office that has historically remained insulated from the state’s political pendulum.

David Scanlan, the Republican incumbent who has held the post since 2022, now faces at least three challengers for a position that the New Hampshire Legislature will decide by vote on December 2.

Unlike many states where the Secretary of State is chosen by a direct vote of the people, the Granite State relies on its lawmakers to appoint the official responsible for election administration, business registration, and the management of state archives, according to the New Hampshire Bulletin.

The Contenders for Change

The field of candidates seeking to unseat Scanlan reflects a broader desire among Democrats to inject new energy into the office. Carleigh Beriont, a Hampton Select Board member who recently mounted an unsuccessful congressional campaign, reached out to all 424 state lawmakers on Tuesday to formally request their support.

Beriont, who cites her hands-on experience with local election monitors in Hampton, argues that the office needs a fresh perspective to increase youth voter engagement, noting that only 7% of New Hampshire’s 18-year-olds are currently registered.

James Butler, a former policy adviser to Governor Maggie Hassan currently employed by Eversource, has also entered the race. Butler’s pitch centers on professionalizing the office’s collaboration with municipalities, claiming that Scanlan left local officials unprepared for the high Democratic turnout seen in the September primary. Rounding out the current field is state Representative Patrick Long of Manchester, who has spent weeks courting legislative support.

Three Challengers Seek to Unseat NH Secretary of State David Scanlan — Photo: yahoo.com

Long’s critique of the incumbent is rooted in specific policy disputes, particularly regarding a state law that restricted the use of student IDs at the polls. Long argues that Scanlan’s interpretation of the law ignored a “safety valve” provision that would have allowed those IDs to be used if the voter lacked alternative identification.

While a federal court initially blocked Scanlan’s directive, the U.S. Supreme Court later allowed it to stand due to the proximity of the election. Long has pledged to rescind that interpretation on his first day if elected.

The Incumbent’s Defense

Scanlan maintains that his tenure is defined by experience and a steady hand. Having served as deputy to his predecessor, Bill Gardner—who held the office for 46 years—for two decades, Scanlan contends that the office’s reputation for neutrality is at risk if it becomes a partisan football.

“There is no candidate that has anywhere near the experience that I have in this job,” Scanlan told the New Hampshire Bulletin, warning that a political purge could lead to a permanent cycle of turnover every time the legislative majority shifts.

Governor Kelly Ayotte has publicly backed Scanlan, expressing concern that politicizing the role could jeopardize New Hampshire’s status as the first-in-the-nation primary state. Scanlan further points to his record of protecting voter data, specifically his 2025 refusal to comply with a demand from the Trump administration for confidential voter information, citing state protections for Social Security and driver’s license numbers.

“The Republicans have been in power. They’ve created the laws. I follow them,” Scanlan said, emphasizing his role as an executor of state statute. He argues that he is prepared to implement whatever new laws a Democratic-led Legislature passes, provided they align with his legal obligations.

The Stakes for Local Government

Beyond the high-profile debate over election laws, the next Secretary of State will oversee the management of insurance risk pools and state business registrations. These administrative functions directly impact municipalities and school districts across the state. Representative Long has criticized Scanlan’s management of these reserves, labeling the current funding levels “not actuarially sound.”

Scanlan could face challenge for secretary of state

As the December 2 vote approaches, the field remains fluid. Other potential candidates, including former Senate President Donna Soucy and Sarah Chadzynski, have signaled they are considering a run, though their final intentions remain unconfirmed.

For the voters and local officials who rely on the office’s administrative efficiency, the outcome will determine whether New Hampshire maintains its traditional, low-profile approach to election oversight or moves toward a more activist, policy-driven model.