Above, Members of the state House of Representatives were sworn in on Wednesday in Representatives Hall. Paula Tracy photo
By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org
CONCORD – It was swearing in day at the State House for 24 State Senators and 400 House of Representatives who almost one month ago all won election to serve for the state for the next two years.
The event brought many family members and friends of the former candidates who packed the gallery to watch as oaths were taken.
It was also a day to elect new leadership with little in the way of drama.
The day was a family affair for state Sen. Cindy Rosenwald, D-Nashua, who was beaming as a proud mother and grandmother as her daughter, newly elected state Rep. Carrie Sorensen, D-Portsmouth, was sworn in. Sorensen and her infant Tully, three and a half months old, were all present and smiling for the swearing in ceremony.
Sorensen represents Portsmouth’s Ward 2.
Gov. Chris Sununu and the Executive Council swore in both chambers.
Sununu thanked the families of the elected officials for enduring what is often a difficult campaign period and noted that those elected were certainly not doing it for the pay of $100 a year.
State Rep. Sherman Packard, R-Londonderry, secured another term as House Speaker following voting and issued a statement thanking his colleagues for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the New Hampshire House of Representatives for the 2025-2026 term.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve as Speaker of the New Hampshire House of Representatives,” Speaker Packard said. “I am deeply grateful to my fellow House members for their trust and confidence in me, and I look forward to working with them to make an impactful change in our state.
State Rep. Kim Rice, R-Hudson, had been mounting a challenge against Packard, but instead supported him for Speaker.
Speaker Packard emphasized that the primary focus for the upcoming term will be crafting a responsible and balanced state budget that puts the needs of the people first.
“Our mission is clear – to create a budget that keeps money in the pockets of families, builds a strong and resilient economy, and prioritizes the well-being of our citizens. We have a unique opportunity to shape New Hampshire’s future in a way that benefits everyone, ensuring our state remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” he said.
In the Senate, Senator Sharon Carson, R-Londonderry was elected the 132nd President of the New Hampshire Senate for the 2025-2026 legislative session.
She replaces the retiring state Sen. Jeb Bradley, R-Wolfeboro.
Senator Carson, who is currently in her ninth term, received a unanimous vote.
“I am incredibly honored to be elected as the next Senate President. I deeply appreciate that my colleagues trusted me to lead the Senate for the next two years. I will work with the Senate to ensure the Granite State’s continued success and that we firmly defend our highly coveted New Hampshire Advantage.”
The day also included the day’s business was the re-election of Secretary of State David Scanlan for the next two years and state Treasurer Monica Mezzapelle.
Governor-Elect Kelly Ayotte issued the following statement following the election of Carson as President of the New Hampshire Senate and Packard as Speaker of the New Hampshire House of Representatives:
“Congratulations to Senate President Carson and Speaker Packard. As I prepare to take office in January, I am glad to have two experienced, dedicated leaders at the helm in the New Hampshire Senate and House. I thank Senate President Carson and Speaker Packard for their service to our state, and I look forward to working together in Concord to tackle our state’s most pressing challenges and keep New Hampshire moving in the right direction.”
