New Hampshire Democrats plan to pursue property tax relief, lower housing and childcare costs and other affordability measures after winning control of the Legislature on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

The priorities reflect the New Hampshire Democratic Party's 2026 platform, which calls for reducing costs passed to local property taxpayers and expanding affordable housing and childcare.

The agenda carries direct stakes for Claremont. The city's 2025 property tax rate stands at $30.54 per $1,000 of assessed value, according to New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration data compiled by Owl's Nest Real Estate. Newport's rate is $25.09. The simple average across New Hampshire's 234 towns and cities is $17.10.

Democrats won control of both legislative chambers while Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte secured a second term. A preliminary House clerk estimate counted 291 Democrats, 108 Republicans and one independent, according to the New Hampshire Bulletin. Those totals could change as election results are finalized.

What Democrats say they'll push

The Democratic Party's platform calls for lowering housing costs by expanding development opportunities and reducing unnecessary delays. It also supports policies to make childcare more affordable and increase access to providers.

Senate Democratic Leader Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, a Portsmouth Democrat, told the Bulletin that lawmakers expect to revisit proposals addressing housing costs, childcare costs and property taxes.

Rep. Alissandra Murray, a Manchester Democrat, also discussed tenant protections, housing and cannabis legalization as possible priorities in an interview with the Bulletin.

The platform outlines the party's broader policy positions, but specific legislation will depend on proposals introduced and considered by the newly elected Legislature.

Sullivan County's local shift

Sullivan County voters also elected several Democrats to the state House.

In House District 6, which includes Claremont and Croydon, Democrats John Cloutier, Lisa Gosselin and Chris Cogswell won all three seats. The results displaced Republican incumbents Dale Girard and Wayne Hemingway, according to Citizens Count's election results.

Girard also serves as Claremont's mayor, according to the city's official council roster.

In District 8, which includes parts of Claremont and surrounding communities, Democrats Hope Damon and Samuel Deering won both seats.

District 3, covering Charlestown, Newport and Unity, was an exception to the local Democratic gains. Republicans Skip Rollins, Steven Smith and Walter Spilsbury won all three seats, according to MultiState's election results.

Republicans push back

Republicans have questioned whether Democrats can deliver the affordability measures discussed during the campaign.

Sen. Daryl Abbas, a Salem Republican, told the Bulletin that candidates promising lower property taxes and fuel costs might struggle to deliver those results. The Republican position adds to the debate over how the incoming Legislature will approach household expenses.

The veto question

Democrats are positioned to hold more than two-thirds of the 400-member House. In the 24-seat Senate, they have won 15 seats, with a possible recount affecting the final count in District 8.

Overriding a governor's veto requires a two-thirds vote in each chamber. Without 16 Senate votes, Democrats would need Republican support to override an Ayotte veto.

The state's next two-year budget must be approved by July 2027. The new legislative majorities will have significant influence over spending and tax proposals during that process.

Ayotte has also identified housing, childcare and energy costs as priorities. Whether the Republican governor and Democratic legislators can agree on specific measures will become clearer as the next legislative session begins.

The newly elected Legislature meets to organize in December.