Dec. 9—In a surprise move, Republican State Chairman Chris Ager of Amherst announced he will not seek a third two-year term when his current one ends next month.
Ager led the party that had former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte succeed retiring four-term Gov. Chris Sununu and Republicans expand their majorities in the New Hampshire House of Representatives and State Senate.
While former President Donald Trump lost New Hampshire’s general election for a third time, he outperformed the polls and helped Republicans gain an even bigger edge in registered voters over those signed up as Democrats.
The Executive Council also remained 4-1 Republican.
“I have decided not to seek another term as NHGOP chairman,” Ager said in a statement. “I am pursuing other opportunities to help the party, so will definitely stay involved.”
Ager had been a staunch Trump supporter, which played a significant role in Ager upsetting then four-term State Chairman Steve Duprey of Concord in 2020 for an unexpired term.
Ager won a second full term without opposition in 2022.
“I thank our NHGOP committee, staff, volunteers, donors, elected officials and family for the fantastic support in getting the job done,” Ager said.
Democratic Party Chairman Raymond Buckley added his praise for Ager’s tenure.
“Both Chairman Ager and I know that the role of state party chair demands significant time, energy, and dedication, and while we may stand on opposite sides of the issues, I know we’ve always had the best interests of our state and country in mind,” Buckley said in a statement.
“I wish Chairman Ager the best of luck in his next endeavors.”
As chairman, Ager remained neutral during the 2020 primary that Trump won convincingly over former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who had Sununu’s support.
The Republican State Committee will meet to choose its officers at its annual meeting Jan. 25 at Inter-Lakes High School in Meredith.
The declared candidates for chairman thus far are James MacEachern, a Derry town councilor, and Keith Hanson of Grantham, a former Sullivan County GOP chair and conservative radio talk show host who ran for state chairman in 2019 and lost to Steve Stepanek.
Former state Senate nominee Lou Gargiulo of Hampton Falls is reportedly considering running for state GOP chairman as well.
Ager’s departure will leave Republican National Committeeman and former House Speaker Bill O’Brien of Manchester and Committeewoman Mary Jane Beauregard of Manchester as leading incumbent figures who will stay on.
“Ager’s strategic vision and tireless dedication have strengthened the NHGOP at every level, leaving the party well-prepared for future challenges,” O’Brien said.
Beauregard said Ager laid the foundation for even bigger successes.
“Thanks to his efforts, we are in a strong position to reclaim a U.S. Senate seat and a congressional seat in 2026, ensuring we continue delivering results for the people of New Hampshire,” Beauregard said.
Democrats have won every federal office since Manchester Republican Frank Guinta last secured the 1st Congressional District seat in 2016.
Michael Biundo of Manchester, a GOP consultant, said the party needs to change to change the Democrats’ hold on federal races.
“Being a chairman of the Republican Party can be a thankless job. In New Hampshire, especially with the lack of outside help, it’s an underfunded endeavor,” Biundo posted on X.
“We need to move the state primary and put N.H. on the map for federal races again. We need to ensure we are competitive on the N.H. (U.S.) Senate race coming up, and whoever is the next chair needs to make raising money and working with outside groups a priority. We need to modernize how we do things and realize the 2026 election started when the calendar changed to November 6th.”
Some leading Republicans are recruiting Biundo to run for the post.
klandrigan@unionleader.com