Rockingham County election results 2022: Pat Conway wins 5th term as county attorney

Max Sullivan, Portsmouth Herald
·3 min read

BRENTWOOD — All but one Republican won their race in the Rockingham County elections, with Democratic incumbent Kate Coyle keeping her county commissioner seat.

Coyle had 31,159 votes compared to Republican challenger Richard Sawyer’s 22,439 in their race for county commissioner District 1. Coyle, also a Portsmouth police commissioner, said she enjoyed her first two years as a county commissioner managing the county’s budget and departments.

“You feel like you get to help the community,” Coyle said. “For me, that’s the goal of civil service, and so, I am really encouraged and excited about continuing on.”

Kate Coyle
Kate Coyle

Sawyer, a retired Hampton police chief and current Rockingham County sheriff’s chief deputy, said the “red wave” speculated to occur Tuesday did not give him a boost in his race. With the seat having a four-year term, Sawyer said he does not know if he will run in the future and will now focus on his job and his other role as a Hampton selectman.

“I love being a selectman in Hampton,” said Sawyer. “I’m going to focus on those things.”

Coyle said being in a blue voting district in the Seacoast helped her, but she also believes the role of county commissioner is not as party-oriented as other elected positions. She said efforts by the county during her first four-year term helped ensure the county's rental assistance program will continue while the state’s program, dependent on federal American Relief Package Act (ARPA) funds, will soon run out.

Patricia Conway
Patricia Conway

“It’s a little bit less political,” Coyle said of the position. “I think I’m well qualified.”

Republican Patricia Conway secured her fifth term as Rockingham County attorney, defeating defense attorney Richard Clark, a Democrat and political newcomer by a vote of 82,055 to 65,622.

Clark ran against Conway while accusing her of wrongly indicting him for sexual abuse charges that were ultimately dropped and since annulled. Conway, who refuted Clark’s claim during the campaign, said Wednesday she was “humbled and honored” to be reelected and thanked family, staff, supporters and citizens of the county for “their steadfast and continued support.”

NH election 2022County attorney race personal for challenger after abuse indictment

“Due to the hard work and dedication of each and every employee, the County Attorney’s Office has flourished and is stronger than ever,” Conway wrote in a statement. “I will continue to satisfy my important duties and responsibilities as county attorney ethically and professionally. I pledge to continue to fight for public safety and justice.”

A ballot clerk at the Portsmouth polling station checks voters in at Ward 2 Nov. 8, 2022.
A ballot clerk at the Portsmouth polling station checks voters in at Ward 2 Nov. 8, 2022.

Republican Chuck Massahos secured his third term as Rockingham County sheriff, defeating Democrat Kevin Coyle 81,549 to 66,394. Massahos said he first ran to ensure the office remained in good hands following the death of Sheriff Mike Downing and the retirement of his successor Michael Hureau.

“When I decided to run four years ago, I ran on a mission,” Massahos said. “I wanted to keep the sheriff’s office in the right direction.”

In other races, Republican Steven Goddu defeated Democrat Beth Cacciotti by a vote of 26,353 to 17,234 for county commissioner District 2. Republican Cathy Stacey defeated Democrat Michael McCord by a vote of 81,887 to 65,335 for register of deeds.

In the register of probate race, Republican Lisa Massahos defeated Democrat Sean McBride Lewis by a vote of 78,355 to 67,101. Scott Priestley defeated Alex Wahl by a vote of 80,634 to 65,185 in their race for county treasurer.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Pat Conway wins 5th term as Rockingham County attorney