NH House GOP majority shrinks after Dems special election win
May 16—NASHUA — House Democrats drew to within two votes of the Republican majority after winning a special election in a Nashua inner city ward Tuesday night.
Democrat Marc Plamondon, a former Nashua board of aldermen member, had been heavily favored to win the seat in Ward 4, one of the most Democratic precincts in the 400-person House of Representatives.
Plamondon defeated Republican nominee David Narkunas, 151-60.
The election was to replace Democrat Stacie Marie-Loughton, who stepped down after an arrest on stalking charges.
The victory leaves the House with 200 Republicans, 198 Democrats and two vacancies from resignations — by ex-Rep. Josh Adjutant of Enfield, a Democrat, and former Rep. Benjamin T. Bartlett IV of Nottingham, a Republican.
In actuality, House Democrats only have 197 voting members because ex-House Democratic Leader David Cote, who lives in Nashua's Ward 4, has not been to the State House, sworn into his seat or allowed to vote since the COVID-19 pandemic because of health problems.
In February, House Democrats and the candidate spent nearly $250,000 for Democratic Rep. Chuck Grassie of Rochester to win a runoff special election after he and former GOP Mayor David Walker tied in November.
In the Nashua race, Plamondon raised less than $6,000 while the Granite State Interfaith Action Fund chipped in $1,100 to support him.
Narkunas has not filed a report, which is required only after a candidate raises or spends at least $500.
"Granite Staters deserve leadership that strengthens our public schools, protects reproductive rights, and lowers property taxes," Rep. Laura Talerski, D-Nashua, who chairs the PAC to elect House Democrats, said in a statement.
"After two consecutive special election victories, it's clear that Democrats have the momentum to deliver on these priorities. We are committed to fight for an enduring House majority in 2024, or before."
