NH House special election: Democrat Billie Butler wins after facing GOP attacks
SOMERSWORTH — Democrat Billie Butler defeated Republican Ken Hilton on June 24 in a special election for a New Hampshire House seat representing Somersworth and Rollinsford.
Butler won the election with 964 votes to 774 for Hilton. Butler will replace Democrat Dawn Evans, who left the seat because she moved out of Strafford County District 12, which comprises the two towns. Butler prevailed in both Somersworth (696-592) and Rollinsford (268-182).
Butler, 54, is a transgender woman who is well known in the Seacoast arts community and faced Republican attacks during the campaign. Prior to the election, Butler said she wants to "help balance the legislature," where Republicans hold majorities in the House and Senate. "I would like to see more people run who do not have divisive agendas, but who really love New Hampshire."
"I'm really humbled by the people who voted for me," Butler said after winning. "I'm ready to offer what I have to give. I'm also ready to bring some art and culture back to the State House."
The heavily blue District 12's other three seats are all held by Democrats: Reps. Myles England, Wayne Pearson and John Joseph Stone. All House seats are up for election again in November 2026.
Butler gave thanks for help with the election to Somersworth residents Lindsey Nelson, her campaign manager, and Marci Stone.
Butler was attacked prior to the election by the Committee to Elect House Republicans, which created a website about her. The site posted edited photos of Butler, calling the candidate "extreme." It cited issues like gender-affirming healthcare and used anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. The committee responsible for the website is led by Rep. Jason Osborne, the New Hampshire House majority leader.
"It is completely hateful, but worse, it completely misrepresents me and my values," Butler said of the website in a recent interview.
Hilton said in an interview prior to the election he had not seen the website attacking Butler and did not want to see it.
Hilton, 65, is chairman of the Strafford County Republican Committee. He said he was running because he wants to see less government. He lives in Somersworth and is the owner/operator of a plumbing company with his partner and wife, Jennifer. Hilton in his campaign called for less government.
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: NH House election: Democrat Billie Butler wins after facing attacks
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