Republicans Sweep in Merrimack

Republicans were able to hold onto control of Merrimack’s state Senate seat and gain back seats in the House of Representatives, according to unofficial results from the Associated Press.

Gary Daniels easily beat Roger Tilton for the District 11 state Senate seat, which covers Amherst, Merrimack, Milford, and Wilton, by more than 20 percent of the vote. Daniels received 12,754 votes to Tilton’s 8,515.

Incumbent state Reps. Tony Pellegrino, Dick Barry, Dick Hinch, Jeanine Notter, and Phil Straight all held onto their seats by large margins. Newcomers Chris Christensen came in second; and John Balcom and Josh Moore rounded out the pack.

Incumbent state Rep. Brenda Grady lost her seat. Seven other Democrats – Dick Bean, Kim Kojak, Jo Ann Rotast, Jack Rothman, John Hanson, Evan Fulmer, and Spencer Nozell, were all defeated.

Republican Dave Wheeler is also leading by 7,500 votes over Diane Sheehan for the District 5 Executive Council seat, with 2 percent left to count.