Dec. 10—Keith Hanson of Concord, an experienced conservative radio talk show host and former Sullivan County chairman, became the first official candidate Tuesday seeking to lead the New Hampshire Republican State Committee.
Hanson said he has the experience, strategic vision and business acumen to move the state GOP forward while praising the leadership of Chairman Chris Ager of Amherst who will not seek another two-year term when his current one ends next month.
“The recent political successes in New Hampshire have put us in a prime position to continue advancing our conservative values,” Hanson said. “Thanks to Chris Ager’s hard work and dedication to advancing New Hampshire’s Republican Party and its candidates, we’ve built a strong foundation. Now, it’s time to build on that momentum and take the New Hampshire Republican Party to even greater heights.”
In 2019, Hanson, then a Grantham resident, ran for chairman and lost to Steve Stepanek, a former chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and close confidante to President-Elect Donald Trump.
Stepanek won, 300-81, with a third candidate, Michael Callis, getting no votes.
After the 2020 Trump defeat, Stepanek stepped down as party boss and set about building Trump’s political organization in New Hampshire and Maine.
Trump lost New Hampshire a third time on Nov. 5 but outperformed polls and did well enough to allow the state GOP to expand their majorities in both the House of Representatives and State Senate.
“Over the past two years, the NHGOP has made incredible strides, but there is still more work to do,” Hanson continued. “With the right leadership, we can amplify our successes and ensure that New Hampshire remains a stronghold for conservative principles. I’m ready to lead that effort.”
For seven years, Hanson worked in the law enforcement training field with both state and federal partners.
Then for four years he was chief operating officer for Right America, a company based out of Pennsylvania that supported Hanson’s radio talk show.
Derry Town Councilor Jimmy MacEachern, a longtime party activist, is also expected to run for party chair when the Republican State Committee selects its officers at an annual meeting Jan. 25 at Inter-Lakes High School in Meredith.
Others being encouraged to consider a bid are two-time State Senate GOP nominee and Hampton Falls businessman Lou Gargiulo and GOP consultant Mike Biundo of Manchester.
Hanson said his campaign will focus on four main principles: maximizing momentum the GOP already has, promoting a united leadership, providing dynamic engagement from his communications career and a strategic vision that starts with expanding the party’s financial base.
“Whether it’s boosting digital outreach, effectively enhancing and engaging younger voters, or providing robust material and financial support for candidates, Hanson is committed to ensuring the NHGOP has the funds and operational capacity to compete effectively and win in every election cycle,” the Hanson campaign said in a statement.
Hanson has hired Ajay Bruno, a senior vice president with AMW Public Relations of New York City, to serve as his spokesman.
klandrigan@unionleader.com