A Republican bid to redraw New Hampshire’s congressional lines has been shelved after state Sen. Dan Innis withdrew his bill, citing opposition from Gov. Kelly Ayotte. The move underscores the limits of the White House’s pressure campaign to secure more GOP-leaning House seats ahead of the 2026 midterms.
State Sen. Dan Innis, a Republican, pulled his proposal for a mid‑decade redraw of New Hampshire’s two U.S. House districts after encountering resistance from first‑term GOP Gov. Kelly Ayotte. “The governor wasn’t that supportive of it since it’s in the middle of the normal redistricting cycle,” Innis told Politico, adding that he would “save this for another time.” Innis had recently ended his 2026 U.S. Senate bid.
Ayotte has repeatedly said she won’t revisit congressional maps now, telling WMUR last month, “We’re in the middle of the census. I don’t think the timing is right for redistricting,” and answering “No” when asked if she might change her mind. She has argued voters are focused on issues like housing, child care and energy costs, not redistricting.
New Hampshire has used a court‑drawn congressional map since 2022, when then‑Gov. Chris Sununu vetoed GOP plans and the state Supreme Court adopted a “least‑change” plan. Both seats are currently held by Democrats, with Rep. Chris Pappas representing the 1st District and Rep. Maggie Goodlander the 2nd. The 1st District is set to be open in 2026 because Pappas is running for U.S. Senate; analysts expect it to be competitive next fall.
The decision in Concord comes amid broader national efforts by the Trump White House to prod GOP‑led states to redraw maps ahead of 2026. In New Hampshire, a possible primary challenge to Ayotte has even been floated: Trump ally Corey Lewandowski, a Department of Homeland Security adviser who lives in Windham, told Politico he would consider a gubernatorial run.
Elsewhere, Republicans have hit roadblocks. In Indiana, Senate GOP leaders said this week they don’t have the votes for a mid‑cycle redraw. Gov. Mike Braun has discussed the idea but hasn’t announced a special session, underscoring the uncertain prospects for mid‑decade mapping in several states.
