Concord, N.H. - Today, State Representative Steve Shurtleff was elected as New Hampshire’s next Speaker of the House on a 237-152 vote. Since taking office, Speaker Shurtleff has built a reputation as a fair and conscientious leader, always willing to go the extra mile to help Granite Staters. As House Democratic leader, Speaker Shurtleff led the Democratic caucus with compassion and focus. This proved instrumental when, even in the minority, House Democrats successfully pushed through a reauthorization of New Hampshire’s Medicaid Expansion, defeated school voucher legislation, banned forced gay conversion therapy for minors, and secured transgender civil liberties. Speaker Shurtleff is a Vietnam War veteran, having served in the US Army, before becoming a State Representative in 2004. He has been leader of the House Democratic caucus since 2014. NHDP Chair Ray Buckley issued the following statement: “Congratulations to the newly elected Speaker of the New Hampshire House, Steve Shurtleff. Speaker Shurtleff is a devoted Representative who has earned respect from his constituents and colleagues on both sides of the aisle. As Speaker, I know he will continue to be the compassionate and dedicated public servant he has been throughout his many years of service. “Speaker Shurtleff’s leadership will be particularly impactful this session, as the new Democratic majorities in the State House, State Senate, and Executive Council work to make New Hampshire a better and more fair place for everyone. His focus on the issues that matter and willingness to work across the aisle to get the job done will be to the benefit of all Granite Staters for years to come.”
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