Nashua Elects First Democratic Mayor in 20 Years

Jim Donchess on Tuesday became the first Democrat elected mayor in Nashua in the last 20 years.

Donchess defeated Chris Williams, who was endorsed by the state Republican party. Donchess won 56 percent of the vote; the unofficial tally was 8,516 to 6,583.

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“I am honored,” Donchess said in a statement.

Donchess, 66, is a lawyer and had been serving as an at-large alderman since 2012. He also served as mayor from 1984 to 1991.

The Nashua mayor’s race is nonpartisan, but state Democrats said Donchess’ victory bodes well for them heading into the 2016 presidential election.

“2016 is not looking good for Republicans,” the state Democratic party said in a statement.

There was another mayoral race in Manchester Tuesday—incumbent Mayor Ted Gastas, a Republican, declared victory in his re-election campaign by a razor-thin margin of about 75 votes. Opponent Joyce Craig, a Democrat, reportedly may ask for a recount. Democrats highlighted the close margin, saying the race was held during “an off-year that favors Republicans.”

The state Republican released this statement after Gastas declared victory:

“Mayor Gatsas has served Queen City residents well, working to improve the K-12 education system, combat the growing heroin epidemic and keep taxes low on working families. We look forward to his continued leadership of New Hampshire’s largest city.”