West Lebanon — Despite challenges from school-choice advocates, it appeared that Democratic incumbents would hold on to their seats in two New Hampshire House districts in northern Sullivan County on Tuesday.

With seven of eight of the towns in the Sullivan 9 “floterial” district reporting, it seemed state Rep. Linda Tanner, a retired Kearsarge Regional High School teacher, would hold her seat, fending off a challenge from Republican school choice advocate Margaret Drye, a Plainfield resident who home-schooled her nine children.

Drye, with nearly 4,000 votes, led Tanner in Newport, Sunapee, Croydon and Unity, but Tanner, who received more than 4,600 votes, carried Grantham, Plainfield and Cornish. Springfield had yet to report.

With three of four towns in the Sullivan 1 district reporting, it appeared incumbent Democratic state Reps. Lee Oxenham, a Plainfield resident and former researcher at the National Academy of Sciences, and Brian Sullivan, a former teacher and negotiator for the New Hampshire NEA from Grantham, would continue to represent the towns of Grantham, Plainfield, Cornish and Springfield.

The two Democrats were opposed by Republicans Virginia Drye, the 19-year-old daughter of Margaret Drye, and Tanya McIntire, a 55-year-old Grantham resident, who works as a substitute teacher and in food service.

The Democrats led the Republicans in Grantham, Plainfield and Cornish. Springfield had yet to report.

Sullivan led the pack with 2,457 votes in the three towns; Oxenham had 2,372; Virginia Drye had 1,355, and McIntire had 1,058.

Valley News Staff Writer Nora Doyle-Burr can be reached at ndoyleburr@vnews.com or 603-727-3213.

Valley News News & Engagement Editor Nora Doyle-Burr can be reached at ndoyleburr@vnews.com or 603-727-3213.