Rochester reelects Mayor Callaghan, approves sportsbook gambling in 2023 election

Karen Dandurant, Foster's Daily Democrat
Updated ·4 min read

ROCHESTER — Mayor Paul Callaghan was reelected to a second term Tuesday. He'll lead a City Council of mostly new members in 2024.

"I’m humbled to have earned the support and confidence of my neighbors in Rochester as we continue the important work of making our city an even better place to live, work and raise a family," Callaghan said. "It is one of the greatest privileges of my life to continue to give back to the community that has given me so much. I look forward to working with residents across the city to keep Rochester moving forward.”

Callaghan, with 2,937 votes, defeated challenger Susan Rice, who received 813 votes, according to official results. Rice has frequently and publicly questioned decisions made by Callaghan and the council. Callaghan, who was elected in 2021 to his first two-year term, is a lieutenant in the Strafford County sheriff's office and formerly worked for the Rochester Police Department.

Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan is joined by his son, John Callaghan, at the polls for the city election Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023 at the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center.
Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan is joined by his son, John Callaghan, at the polls for the city election Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023 at the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center.

Eight of the 13 members of the current council opted not to run for reelection, guaranteeing Tuesday's election would bring turnover to the majority of seats.

Sportsbook gambling approved by Rochester voters

Rochester voters approved sportsbook gambling, 2,026 to 1,801, meaning betting on games could become part of the operation at the casino planned at the Lilac Mall.

With the "yes" vote prevailing, a sportsbook location could be allowed only in established charitable gaming facilities, which are allowed in Rochester in the highway commercial zone (routes 11 and 125) or by special exception in the Granite Ridge development zone. It would have to be awarded by NH Lottery.

Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan is seen at the polls for the city election Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023 at the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center.
Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan is seen at the polls for the city election Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023 at the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center.

The casino at the mall is planned to be 32,000 square feet with 26 gaming tables and about 225 historical horse racing machines, along with a restaurant and bar.

Rochester City Council election results

The contested City Council race results are as follows:

Ward 1, Seat A: Patricia Turner (345 votes) defeated Joshua Guptel (326).

Ward 4, Seat A: David E. Walker and Chuck Grassie ended the night in a tie with 409 votes each in official totals released by the city, likely setting the stage for a recount. Grassie defeated Walker earlier this year in a special election for state representative after a recount found there was a tie in the initial election in November 2022.

"Shocking and amusing": Walker and Grassie tie in Rochester election again. What's next.

Ward 4, Seat B: Chuck Creteau (519) defeated Keith Fitts (220).

Ward 6, Seat B: Kevin Sullivan (349) defeated Benjamin Pratt (131).

Four incumbent councilors won unopposed. They were Don Hamann (Ward 5, Seat B), Tim Fontneau (Ward 1, Seat B), Amy Malone (Ward 2, Seat B), and Alexander de Geofroy (Ward 5, Seat A).

Also running unopposed and winning seats were Daniel Fitzpatrick (Ward 2, Seat A), Bryan Karolian (Ward 3, Seat A), David Heramn (Ward 3, Seat B), Matthew Richardson (Ward 6, Seat A) and Benjamin Pratt (Ward 6, Seat B).

Rochester School Board election results

There were eight races for school board seats.

At-large seat: Matthew Beaulieu (incumbent) was reelected with 1,818 votes, defeating Colleen Yasenchock (944) and Tabatha Davis (813).

Ward 1, Seat A: Sarah Harrington (incumbent) won with 384 votes over Tracy Walbridge at 300.

Ward 1, Seat B: Nick Bellows (495) defeated Diane Leveille (191).

Ward 3, Seat A: Shauni McGowan (276) defeated Christine Gianotti (206).

Ward 3, Seat B: Matt Pappas (incumbent, 286 votes) defeated Khristine Bibeau (208).

Ward 4, Seat A: Shane Downs (incumbent, 423 votes) defeated Anne Grassie (incumbent, currently in Seat B, 380.

Ward 4, Seat B: Paul Cormier (462) defeated James Connor (249).

Ward 6, Seat B: Kelli L. Allen (246) defeated incumbent Donna R. Ellis (242).

Running unopposed and winning reelection were David Camire (Ward 2, Seat A), Sandra Keans (Ward 2, Seat B), Karen Stokes (Ward 5, Seat A), Erik White (Ward 5, Seat B), Steven Cusumano (Ward 6, Seat A) and Donna Ellis (Ward 6, Seat B).

Rochester Police Commission election results

John Larochelle (649 votes) defeated incumbent David Winship (566) in a contested race for the Wards 3-4 seat on the three-member city Police Commission.

Running unopposed and winning election were David Stevens (Wards 1-2) and Donna Bogan (Wards 5-6).

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Rochester election results: Mayor Callaghan wins, sportsbook approved