Republican House representatives elected Rep. Dick Hinch as their leader Thursday, opting for a political veteran to guide the opposition to a newly-elected Democratic majority next year.
Hinch, who served as majority leader when Republicans controlled the House, leads a diminished 167-member caucus. Democrats snapped up dozens of moderate seats on a “blue wave” election this month, tipping control of the chamber – 233-167 – after four years of recent Republican control.
The Merrimack lawmaker, 69, was chosen after two rounds of voting during a closed-door caucus in Representative’s Hall, besting three competitors for the post.
Hinch was a presumptive front-runner, serving under former speakers Shawn Jasper and Gene Chandler, and the first to declare his candidacy for the speaker’s post in May. But the final result was closer than expected Thursday; he won the second-round run-off against Rep. Al Baldasaro, a fiery conservative, with 77 votes to Baldasaro’s 68.
Goffstown Rep. Barbara Griffin and Sanbornton Rep. Timothy Lang both dropped out after the first round voting.
In a statement shortly after the vote, Republican Gov. Chris Sununu praised the caucus’s choice.
“With Representative Hinch at the helm, Republicans will be united and galvanized to deliver results and protect the best interests of the citizens of our state,” Sununu said.