AGP Executive Report

Democratic primary fight in NH: The DNC approved a 2028 presidential calendar that puts South Carolina first and drops New Hampshire from the top spot, reigniting Granite State efforts to keep its “first-in-the-nation” status and warning candidates could face backlash if they don’t campaign in order. ICE in Keene: A public meeting in Keene is underway after reported ICE activity, with Mayor Jay Kahn pushing for transparency about what local government can and can’t do during federal operations. Victims’ rights in Concord: Gov. Kelly Ayotte ceremonially signed three bipartisan domestic and sexual violence bills, including new tools for trafficking investigations, stronger restitution protections, and a sexual assault protective order. NH election law in court: A federal judge rejected the Trump administration’s bid to obtain Minnesota voter data, another setback in efforts to access state election records. Gun safety lawsuit: A Florida man sued Sig Sauer over an alleged unintended discharge, naming the New Hampshire-based company. Child care tax credit: New Hampshire’s new child day care creation tax credit for businesses starts in 2027, aiming to expand licensed slots. Waterfront property rights: A guide explains NH “littoral rights” and how lake access disputes are handled in court.

Elections & Voting Access: The NH Democratic Party relaunched its Voter Assistance Hotline, 603-GO-N-VOTE (603-466-8683), to help Granite Staters with registration, absentee voting, and finding polling places through November. Presidential Primary Politics: Democrats approved the 2028 early primary calendar, putting South Carolina first and moving New Hampshire later, a shift that’s already drawing pushback from state party leaders. NH Election Rules: New Hampshire’s ban on using student IDs to vote is now in effect, joining a growing list of Republican-led states tightening in-person voter ID rules. Criminal Justice & Rights: Lawmakers are set to vote on overriding Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s veto of a bill that would let prisoners seek new trials based on newly discovered evidence after the current three-year deadline. Housing Policy: A new federal “ROAD to Housing” law is expected to reduce red tape and costs for manufactured homes and other housing development in New Hampshire. State Government Watch: A Monitor investigation found a former NH House speaker’s nonprofit collected $274,000 from casino charitable gaming with no clear public activity.

Democratic Primary Calendar: The DNC approved a new 2028 presidential primary schedule in Austin, putting South Carolina first on Jan. 22, followed by Nevada (Feb. 1), then New Hampshire on Feb. 8—pushing Iowa out of the early lead and aiming to boost Black, Latino, and union voters’ influence before Super Tuesday (March 7). Veto Day Watch (NH): New Hampshire’s Legislature is set for an Aug. 19 Veto Day after Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s record-setting veto spree, with lawmakers weighing whether to override a slate of bills across both chambers. White House Personnel Drama: Trump said he’s “very concerned” that press secretary Karoline Leavitt “likes her children more than she likes Trump” as she prepares to leave the role at month’s end, with speculation already swirling over replacements. Legal Fight (Federal): Defense attorneys are seeking dismissal of a sweeping racketeering indictment against alleged gang members, arguing the U.S. attorney’s office lacked lawful authority after an interim term expired. Public Safety (NH): Four New Jersey teens were rescued after getting stuck on Mount Lincoln in harsh wind and cold, with officials saying the group will likely be billed for the rescue costs.

Democratic Primary Calendar Shake-Up: The DNC approved a new 2028 presidential nominating schedule that puts South Carolina first (Jan. 22, 2028) and Nevada second (Feb. 1), followed by New Hampshire (Feb. 8), New Mexico (Feb. 15), Michigan (Feb. 22), and Virginia (Feb. 29)—a direct hit to the old Iowa/New Hampshire kickoff tradition, with party leaders arguing it better reflects Black, Latino, and union voters. Local Immigration Tensions: In Keene, crowds protested reported ICE activity, with the mayor saying local police weren’t involved and the sheriff saying his office wasn’t notified. NH Education Spotlight: Hanover’s Derek Butler was named New Hampshire history teacher of the year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute. Polling Reality Check: A national look at why primary polling can miss—using recent Democratic races as examples—lands as New Hampshire voters watch the next cycle take shape.

Immigration Enforcement Protest in Keene: Dozens rallied in Keene after reports of ICE activity Aug. 10, with Mayor Jay Kahn saying he doesn’t believe local police helped federal agents and the Cheshire County Sheriff’s Office saying it wasn’t notified and learned via social media. Democrats’ 2028 Primary Overhaul: The DNC approved a new 2028 calendar in Austin that puts South Carolina first (Jan. 22), then Nevada (Feb. 1), with New Hampshire moved to Feb. 8, followed by New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia—while Iowa is removed from the early window. NH Food Insecurity Update: A Feeding America study finds child food insecurity in New Hampshire rose to 38,430 children in 2026 (up from 36,160 in 2025), with overall food insecurity at 11.2% of residents. DNC vs. Granite State: New Hampshire Democrats criticized the shift, arguing Granite Staters should still have a meaningful voice and defending the state’s role under state law.

NH Politics & Elections: The DSCC is funding Senate outreach in a slate of battleground states that includes New Hampshire, but not Mississippi—an omission that underscores how Democrats are trying to build a Senate majority with targeted voter programs. Democrats’ 2028 Calendar: The DNC is expected to finalize its 2028 presidential primary calendar, with South Carolina first (Jan. 22), Nevada next (Feb. 1), and New Hampshire slated for Feb. 8—though NH’s secretary of state says the state will follow its own first-primary law. GOP Fundraising: Florida Sen. Rick Scott will headline the Amos Tuck Dinner in Concord on Sept. 18, a major signal of how the NH GOP is lining up national support for November. Voting Rules (NH): New Hampshire towns are now equipped with absentee ballots for the Sept. 8 primary, but new ID-proof steps could add friction for voters. Ballot Access Fight: A federal magistrate has recommended overturning the decision that would bar libertarian-minded Aaron Day from the Nov. 3 ballot, keeping his eligibility fight alive. Statehouse/Local Governance: A proposed Montgomery County spending cap amendment is inching closer to the ballot after elections officials certified thousands of signatures. Public Safety & Schools: In Hinsdale, a protective order tied to allegations of a school staffer stalking a student has raised questions about district handling and ongoing police involvement.

GOP Fundraising: Sen. Rick Scott will headline the New Hampshire GOP’s Amos Tuck Dinner in Concord on Sept. 18, a major boost for the party’s November push. Immigration Enforcement: ICE arrested at least nine people across Vermont in separate operations, including workplace and commuting arrests that advocates say are unusual and may raise profiling concerns. NH Federal Court Fight: A magistrate recommended overturning the Ballot Law Commission’s bid to block libertarian Aaron Day from the Nov. 3 ballot, arguing he met eligibility requirements tied to Nashua residency. Democrats’ 2028 Primary Calendar: The DNC is expected to finalize a 2028 calendar that would put South Carolina first (Jan. 22), then Nevada (Feb. 1), with New Hampshire on Feb. 8—though NH says it will follow state law. State Politics & Health: NH’s school voucher-like Education Freedom Accounts hit 12,500 students (up 25%) with 943 on the waitlist, potentially driving $60M+ in payments. Public Safety & Environment: Old Dutch Mustard agreed to a consent decree and enhanced monitoring after a Clean Water Act case tied to pollution of the Souhegan River. Food Safety: FDA/CDC began inspections at Taylor Farms’ Mexican plant tied to the cyclosporiasis outbreak, which has reached New Hampshire among 17 states.

Student Voting Fight: A Concord-based activist group sued New Hampshire over the law ending student ID cards as acceptable ballot ID, arguing it unlawfully burdens the right to vote and that the state’s guidance went beyond authority. Courtroom Watch: A separate ACLU-backed case asks a federal judge to strike down New Hampshire’s anti-loitering/anti-prowling law, with the state arguing the plaintiff lacks standing. Federal Citizenship Clash: New Hampshire remains a key battleground in challenges to Trump’s renewed birthright citizenship restrictions, with advocates asking a federal court to block the latest orders. Medicaid Pressure Point: A KFF Health News report flags how Trump-era “budget neutrality” rules could force major Medicaid waiver changes, with Arkansas as the warning sign for other states. 2028 Party Calendar: The DNC is set to vote on a new 2028 presidential primary calendar that would put South Carolina first, a plan that could collide with New Hampshire’s scheduling rules. NH Elections & Messaging: In the NH-01 GOP primary, three candidates debated affordability, housing, ICE, and gun rights ahead of the Sept. 8 vote. Local Housing Push: Seacoast and Rochester developers announced major apartment expansions, including a 135-unit complex in Somersworth and a $400 million mixed-use project in Rochester.

Local Government & Public Safety: Manchester rolled out real-time traffic-signal tech at 22 busy intersections using sensors and AI, funded by a $2 million federal SMART grant. Education Policy: The state’s “Screen Time Task Force” is reviewing how classroom tech affects students after New Hampshire’s bell-to-bell cellphone ban, with early teacher feedback pointing to fewer distractions. Elections & Voting Rights: A federal lawsuit challenges New Hampshire’s voter ID law that bars student IDs for voting, arguing it unlawfully burdens young voters ahead of the Sept. 8 primary. Immigration Enforcement: Keene Mayor Jay Kahn said ICE activity in the city wasn’t coordinated with local police beyond general notice, raising questions about local role and information-sharing. Environment & Accountability: Old Dutch Mustard agreed to a consent decree and tighter stream monitoring after a Clean Water Act case tied to pollution of the Souhegan River. State Politics: NH Democrats renewed attacks on U.S. Senate candidates John Sununu and Scott Brown over health care for seniors and the middle class. Federal Courts: The ACLU urged a New Hampshire federal judge to block Trump’s latest birthright citizenship order, arguing it conflicts with recent Supreme Court limits. Housing: Meredith’s selectboard backed a transition from the state-run Winnipesaukee River Basin wastewater program to a regional authority.

White House Shake-Up: President Trump says White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will step down at month’s end, citing family time, while she’ll remain a senior outside adviser—leaving a major communications vacancy just before the midterms. NH Court Fight Over Birthright Citizenship: Civil rights groups ask a New Hampshire federal court to keep protections from Trump’s latest birthright citizenship order, arguing it conflicts with the Supreme Court’s “place of nativity” ruling. Statehouse Transportation Clash: Lawmakers are weighing whether to override Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s veto of the 10-year transportation plan, after a toll-hike fight helped trigger the veto. Local Land-Use Update: A Claremont-area planning board is working to align zoning with new state child care laws, including “by right” approval changes for home-based centers. Public Safety & Health: NH’s insurance regulator fined Anthem over hundreds of violations tied to provider credentialing, directory accuracy, and mental health parity—raising concerns for patients using in-network listings. Defense & Industry: ePropelled won $60M in DoD funding to expand drone propulsion manufacturing in Laconia, boosting capacity for uncrewed aircraft systems.

White House Shakeup: President Donald Trump announced that New Hampshire native Karoline Leavitt will step down as press secretary at the end of August, saying she wants to spend more time with her young children; Leavitt confirmed the move and said she’ll remain an “outside adviser,” with no successor named yet. Higher Ed Watch: A bipartisan group of New Hampshire state senators asked for an independent performance audit of the University System of New Hampshire, citing enrollment declines, rising costs, and questions about whether proposed consolidation is worth the price. Voter Access Fight in NH: Legal groups are seeking court action over New Hampshire’s student-ID voting rules, arguing the state’s approach is being used to suppress young voters. Energy Costs: Commentary and reporting highlight New Hampshire’s electricity-cost pressures and ongoing grid-policy debates that could raise rates further. Public Health & Safety: A major jalapeño recall expanded after hundreds reported sick, with products distributed through major retailers including Hannaford and Walmart.

Birthright Citizenship Fight in NH Federal Court: Civil rights groups led by the ACLU asked a New Hampshire federal judge to clarify that President Trump’s latest executive order can’t override the Supreme Court’s protection for children born in the U.S., arguing the administration is continuing an “assault” after Trump already lost in court. Election Integrity & Misinformation: PolitiFact announced a nationwide partnership network to fact-check high-stakes 2026 midterm races, with New Hampshire coverage tied to the open Senate seat after Jeanne Shaheen’s retirement. NH Voting Access Pressure: A new op-ed argues New Hampshire’s rules make it harder for young adults to register and vote, calling it “voter suppression” by design. Local Government Transparency Training: Concord-area city leaders and volunteers took public records law training after councilor missteps in appointment communications, underscoring right-to-know compliance. Energy Grid & Data Centers: Bloomberg NEF reports Texas’ grid interconnection pause could delay a large share of the U.S. data center pipeline—an issue that echoes NH’s broader debate over power, growth, and oversight. Sports & State Politics: Vermont Democrats picked Amanda Janoo for governor, while Vermont’s Molly Gray won the lieutenant governor primary—both stories are likely to draw regional attention as New Hampshire voters watch neighboring races.

Birthright Citizenship Fight: ACLU and allied civil rights groups are back in federal court in New Hampshire asking a judge to clarify that the Supreme Court’s June ruling blocks President Trump’s new executive order narrowing birthright citizenship exceptions. Voter Access & ID: Separate reporting highlights how New Hampshire’s absentee ballot process for the Sept. 8 primary now requires stricter proof-of-identity steps, adding friction for voters seeking ballots. Immigration Enforcement Watch: NH activists warn of increased ICE activity in the state, including reported detentions in West Lebanon and Keene, while ICE says it won’t comment on operations. Healthcare & Coverage: An NH-focused report flags a Medicaid “frailty” rules mismatch that could force seriously ill adults to prove limitations rather than qualify automatically. Women’s Health Access: Executive Councilors react to a study warning of growing “maternity deserts” in rural New Hampshire and calling for more insurer oversight and transparency. Public Safety: A Concord man pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing child sexual abuse material after investigators traced him to a darknet streaming site. State Politics: In Vermont, Democrat Molly Gray won the lieutenant governor primary, setting up a November matchup with GOP Lt. Gov. John Rodgers. Cybersecurity for Retirees: NH Retirement System launched “Digital Sunscreen,” a summer series aimed at helping members spot scams and protect retirement accounts.

Federal Manufacturing & Defense: ePropelled says it will expand its U.S. advanced electric propulsion manufacturing capacity with $60 million in DoD funding, boosting output for drones and other dual-use systems. Primary & Election Rules: New Hampshire voters can now request absentee ballots for the Sept. 8 primary, but new ID verification steps under SB 287 add extra hurdles. NH Courts & Public Safety: William Kelly, the first person convicted under New Hampshire’s fetal-homicide law, was sentenced to consecutive 40-years-to-life terms for killing his pregnant girlfriend and her unborn child. Health & Food Policy: Feeding America reports child food insecurity in New Hampshire rose more than 6% from 2023 to 2024, reaching 38,430 children. Housing: NH home prices hit a new July record median of $580,000 as supply constraints keep pressure on affordability. Energy & Shipping: Trump extended a Jones Act waiver for 90 days, a move aimed at easing energy shipping costs into New England. Local Crime: Authorities are investigating a suspicious death in Whitefield that left one dead and three hospitalized.

Housing & Cost of Living: New Hampshire home prices hit a new July record high, with the median single-family home now at $580,000, as Realtors point to lingering supply limits and push for more state standards to loosen local construction rules. Local Housing Policy: A Meredith housing-focused op-ed argues the education, workforce, and housing crises are tied together—and calls for practical housing expansion that still respects local control. Courts & Ethics: NH Supreme Court watchers are dealing with uncertainty after ethics charges were filed against former Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi, while Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald remains out on medical leave with no clear return date. Elections & Federal Oversight: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen presses the Trump administration over plans to deploy election monitors in New Hampshire, warning against partisan interference with state election administration. Corrections & Land Use: Concord’s potential land swap with the state could determine where a new men’s prison is built, with the city seeking state-owned riverfront land in exchange. Public Safety: Durham police say a registered sex offender fired fireworks toward officers while resisting an arrest warrant service, triggering a shelter-in-place and SWAT response. State Government Watch: EPA moves toward approving New Hampshire’s end of vehicle inspections, setting up a major change for drivers and enforcement.

Election & Congress (NH): With NH’s Sept. 8 primary approaching, coverage highlights how the crowded Democratic and Republican fields in US House District 1 are still leaving many voters undecided, even as campaigns ramp up in Manchester, Portsmouth, and the Lakes Region. US Senate map: A national look at the Senate fight argues Democrats can’t afford to lose Michigan, framing it as a key hinge for whether the party can flip enough seats to take control. NH politics & messaging: A property-tax-focused opinion piece takes aim at Sen. Dan Innis, arguing he’s miscasting the causes of NH’s school funding crisis. Local governance (housing): Strafford County commissioners are exploring using county-owned land in Dover to pursue affordable housing, potentially partnering with a private or nonprofit developer. Executive Council childcare fight: Councilors defend rejecting a childcare quality contract despite federal/state consequences, saying they still support the decision after new information emerged. Public safety (NH): A former NH state trooper faces a deferred sentence after pleading guilty to false reports tied to GPS tracking of his girlfriend; he must resign and surrender his certification. Voting logistics (NH): A practical guide explains how to register and what documents to bring for the 2026 elections amid recent legal changes affecting proof-of-citizenship rules.