Rep. Alexis Simpson won the incoming Democratic caucus’ nomination for speaker of the New Hampshire House in a 200-75 vote Thursday, putting her in line to lead the chamber when lawmakers convene in December.
Simpson, who has led House Democrats since 2024, defeated Rep. Jim Maggiore, a North Hampton businessman. Simpson represents Exeter and is a United Church of Christ minister. The full House will vote on its next speaker on Dec. 2.
“We know that people are struggling, needing lower property taxes, needing more affordable housing, needing to lower the cost of childcare, and to find accessible, affordable childcare throughout the state. So those are just a few things that we will be working on.”
Simpson identified property taxes, housing and child care as issues she said helped drive voters to elect Democratic majorities. Democrats are expected to hold 292 seats in the House, with more than half of those members expected to be new lawmakers.
Role of the speaker
The speaker leads the entire 400-member House of Representatives. The position includes authority over committee assignments and legislative parking spaces, along with responsibility for managing the flow of bills through the chamber.
- Simpson said she wants to help new lawmakers become familiar with working in Concord.
- The speaker negotiates policy disputes with the Senate and the governor.
- The full House makes the final choice Dec. 2.
Simpson said she intends to help incoming lawmakers adjust to the difference between campaigning and legislating. She also said she values being direct with members of the caucus about both political considerations and policy.
“I really pride myself with being honest with the caucus, and that means being honest about the politics as well as the policy.”
Maggiore and other Democratic critics have characterized Simpson as unwilling to collaborate and insufficiently receptive to differing views. Simpson disagreed with that assessment but said she would consider the criticism as she prepares for the House vote.
