Republicans Elect First African-American Congressional Nominee in NH History: Sept. 13 Primary Results

CONCORD, NH — The Associated Press declared former state Rep. Jim Lawrence the winner of the 2nd Congressional District primary winner on Sept. 13, 2016, over his main opponent, state Rep. Jack Flanagan, R-Brookline. The win was a historical one: Lawrence is the first African-American Congressional nominee in state history.

With 79 percent of the vote counted, Lawrence had more than 13,700 votes or about 40 percent, and Flanagan received more than 9,400, or 28 percent. Trailing far behind were Walter Kelly with 9 percent, Andy Martin with 8 percent, Eric Estevez and Jay Mercer with 5 percent, and Casey Newell with 4 percent of the vote.

Democrat gubernatorial race

AP Colin Van Ostern the Democratic primary nominee at 8:50 p.m. on Sept. 30, 2016.

With 87 percent of New Hampshire's 300 precincts counted, the Executive Councilor from Concord had accumulated a 16,000-plus-vote lead over his nearest rival, former Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand, who had 26 percent of the vote. Mark Connolly had about 10,000 votes or 20 percent, with Ian Freeman and Derek Dextraze receiving about 1 percent of the vote.

Connolly congratulated Van Ostern and said he was "proud of the campaign we waged and am eternally grateful to those who supported this effort." He said he would be throwing his support to Van Ostern.

“While this campaign has come to an end, our message endures: meeting the challenges of a 21st century economy with innovation, practicality, and quality education and healthcare for all," Connolly added. “This fight was never about me—it’s always been about the people of New Hampshire, and how to get results for them. I still believe our best days are ahead of us, if we elect the right leaders and foster an inclusive society.”

Kayla Montgomery of Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action Fund, which sent numerous mailers helping to get-out-the-vote for Van Ostern, said he had been "a consistent and reliable champion for women’s health and won’t put politics before the health of New Hampshire women.”

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She added, “New Hampshire voters overwhelmingly support funding for Planned Parenthood and access to safe and legal abortion. With Colin Van Ostern’s victory, voters have affirmed their support for Planned Parenthood and demonstrated that they do not want women’s health care subjected to political games. Voters want Colin Van Ostern to be our next governor because he is both an advocate and ally for women and families.”

U.S. Senate primary

Incumbent U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-NH, easily bested four other rivals, including former state Sen. Jim Rubens, in the primary and will face-off against Gov. Maggie Hassan, D-NH, independent Aaron Day, and Libertarian Brian Chabot in the general election.

At just before 11:30 p.m., Ayotte led Rubens by more than 58,000 votes. Tom Alciere, Gerard Beloin, and Stanley Emanuel all received about 1 percent of the vote.

In a statement, Ayotte said she was "deeply grateful for the support" that she had received from voters.

"I’m running because I want to keep fighting for our families and our children’s future and that’s what this election is about: who will be the best voice for New Hampshire in the Senate," she said. "I’m the only candidate in this race who has shown that I will stand up to anyone to do what’s right for our state and I look forward to bringing that message to every corner of the state in the weeks to come.”

Democrats and liberal organizations pounced on Ayotte.

NextGen Climate New Hampshire issued the following video after the results were announced for Ayotte:

Other races

Other races, at just before 11 p.m., were too close to call, according to returns.

In the Republican gubernatorial race, Chris Sununu had a 1,400-plus-vote lead with 85 percent of the ballots counted.

Both Ted Gatsas, in third, with 21 percent, and Jeanie Forrester, in fourth, with 18 percent, conceded the race tonight. Jonathan Lavoie received 1,054 votes or 1 percent.

In the 1st Congressional District Republican primary, incumbent U.S. Rep. Frank Guinta, R-NH, and Rich Ashooh, his main challenger, were separated by about 400 votes, with 93 percent of the vote counted. Michael Callis had 2,014 votes, Robert Risley has 1,229 votes, and Jamieson Gradert has 948 votes.

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