NH House Democrats nominate Simpson for speaker ahead of Dec. 2 vote

New Hampshire House Democrats caucused in Concord and nominated Rep. Alexis Simpson, the current minority leader, as their pick for speaker of the House, voting 200-75 over challenger Rep. Jim Maggiore. The full House will hold an official election for speaker on Dec. 2, and Democrats, who won a supermajority in last week's elections, will control the outcome. Maggiore, a former Republican now representing North Hampton as a Democrat, had criticized Simpson's leadership style and was one of few Democrats to vote for Medicaid work requirements, cutting the Office of the Child Advocate budget, and tabling a minimum wage increase. Simpson said her priorities include the upcoming state budget, property taxes, affordable housing, and childcare access.