Originally published on the New Hampshire Union Leader.
IT’S springtime in New Hampshire, which brings mud season, black flies, mosquitos, blooming flowers and allergies, among other things. But it also marks the start of campaign season for municipalities this year, and believe it or not, the start of the 2028 primary.
We’re already seeing candidates for the first-in-the-nation primary attending prominent events and chatting with state leaders. Yes, we can’t believe it either, but just as quickly as November 2024 passed, we turn our attention to the next election. After all, that is what makes New Hampshire so important in electing the next leader of our country. We expect to hear from prospective candidates time and time again, answering tough questions and showing our state and the country what kind of leader they’d be. It is a sacred responsibility that we do not take lightly.
New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation (FITN) primary dates back to 1920, when we held our first FITN election. But what many don’t know is that it took a state law in 1975 to solidify our place as first. Leading the charge was Portsmouth Democrat State Representative Jim Splaine. Now, 50 years later, we look back fondly at historical primary elections that showcase New Hampshire as the finest example of democracy. And we celebrate and recognize the leadership of Jim Splaine and the bipartisan coalition he brought together to ensure that New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation status will remain intact forever.
The 1975 bill, HB 73, almost failed. Following divisive and messy primaries, along with the Watergate scandal and infighting in both parties, there was no consensus that leaving this decision in the hands of partisan elected officials would serve the purpose of keeping New Hampshire first. There wasn’t agreement on who would set the date, or which elected officials should be in charge. But thanks to Jim’s efforts, along with Republican Governor Mel Thomson, there was agreement to keep politics and politicians, as well as state parties and other partisan interests, out of any decision-making process; and instead, leave it in the hands of the Secretary of State.
As we look back on this incredibly important decision and consequential law, we can’t help but think how fortuitous the decision was to make the Secretary of State the final arbiter in setting the FITN date. In addition to keeping the decision nonpartisan, it further helped highlight the important role that the Secretary of State plays in ensuring a transparent, impartial, and secure FITN primary process.
From safeguarding the FITN primary to overseeing every local and state election, the Secretary of State has a sacred duty to not just ensure elections run smoothly, but also to help protect and promote one of our nation’s best examples of democracy in action. As bipartisan co-chairs of the Democracy Defense Project, an organization focused on reinstating trust and faith in our elections systems, we see a clear line from Jim’s efforts to our efforts in promoting New Hampshire’s election laws and our citizens’ participation, as some of the best in the country.
As Jim stated in a recap of his efforts to pass HB 73, “In the Granite State our presidential primary not only has stood the test of time, but it is also pure American democracy at its best.”
From our incredibly high rate of participation to our cherished place in presidential politics, New Hampshire continues to lead the country in election integrity.
And today, on the 50th anniversary of HB 73 passing, we recognize Jim Splaine and his efforts for leading the fight to keep New Hampshire’s presidential primary elections in its rightful place, first in the nation.
Former U.S. Senator John E. Sununu lives in Rye. Former Congressman and Ambassador Richard Swett lives in Bow.
Published: May 27, 2025
