The 2010 New Hampshire Senate race marked a historic shift in American political representation
In short: When incumbent Judd Gregg retired, the 2010 New Hampshire Senate election became a pivotal contest. The result not only secured a Republican victory by a significant margin but also established a unique milestone in the United States Senate, creating the first state delegation composed of two women from opposing political parties.
The 2010 election cycle in New Hampshire was defined by the retirement of incumbent Republican Senator Judd Gregg. Gregg, who had been reelected with 66% of the vote in 2004, initially planned to seek a fourth term. However, his political trajectory shifted in early 2009 when he accepted, and then abruptly withdrew, a nomination to serve as United States Secretary of Commerce. By April 2009, Gregg confirmed he would not seek reelection, opening the seat for the first time since 1992.
The Republican primary featured former state Attorney General Kelly Ayotte and Ovide Lamontagne, while Democratic U.S. Representative Paul Hodes emerged as the primary challenger. The campaign was marked by intense scrutiny, with Hodes facing criticism for his support of the Affordable Care Act and President Obama's economic recovery package. Conversely, Ayotte faced scrutiny regarding her handling of the Lakes Region Ponzi scheme, which had defrauded investors of nearly $80 million. Ultimately, Ayotte secured the seat, winning by over 23 points.
This election was significant for its impact on the composition of the Senate. With Democrat Jeanne Shaheen already holding the state's other seat, Ayotte's victory made New Hampshire the first state in the union to be represented simultaneously by two women of opposite parties. Despite the Republican win in 2010, the state had trended Democratic in the 2006 and 2008 cycles, and the 2010 result remains the last time Republicans have won a U.S. Senate election in New Hampshire.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2010 United States Senate election in New Hampshire
- Also: www.fec.gov — 2026 Election United States Senate - New Hampshire | FEC
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