Rockingham County Attorney To Be Nominated To Superior Court

CONCORD, NH — Rockingham County's attorney is expected to be nominated to be a superior court judge on Wednesday during this week's Executive Council meeting.

Gov. Chris Sununu made the announcement on Tuesday, calling Patricia Conway a well-respected and hardworking prosecutor for the county. Conway, a Republican, was elected county attorney in 2014, after the resignation of James Reams, who became embattled after a New Hampshire Attorney General's Office investigation into issues in the attorney's office. He was also accused of sexual harassment. Reams later retired.

Conway served as the assistant county attorney for around 16 years and was the county's lead prosecutor for a dozen years before being elected to the position.

"During her years of service as Rockingham County Attorney and as an assistant county attorney, Pat litigated countless cases before the superior court and has the experience needed for this critical role," Sununu said. "She will make an exceptional judge."

Conway was recommended for the position by the judicial selection commission, a bipartisan group of legal and business leaders in the state, who vet nominations.

Conway said she was "honored and humbled" by the nomination.

"I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to continue my work in public service as a judge," she said. "If confirmed, I pledge to be fair, impartial, thoughtful, and hardworking in fulfilling the important duties and responsibilities of a judge."

The Executive Council, the five-member political body elected from regions around the state that eyes contracts and gubernatorial nominations, currently has a 4-to-1 GOP majority — so Conway should be considered a shoo-in for confirmation.

If confirmed, Rockingham County will need to hold a convention to fill the county attorney vacancy.

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