The Republican leader in the New Hampshire House says he’s running to be House Speaker.
House Majority Leader Jason Osborne, R-Aburn, announced Tuesday he is seeking the gavel. He says he will be actively campaigning this election season to try to grow the GOP majority at the Statehouse.
“I am not waiting for November,” Osborne said in a news release. “I will spend this summer on the road with our candidates, helping them sharpen their message, knock doors, raise money, and win the arguments that matter. We are not running to maintain the status quo. We are running to grow our ranks.”
Osborne, who is 49, moved to New Hampshire more than 15 years ago as part of the libertarian Free State Project.
He’s since served six terms in the House and has led the GOP caucus since 2020. In announcing his bid for speaker, Osborne stressed his work to cut taxes, expand school choice, prioritize parents’ rights and expand gun rights. Osborne isn’t the only member of Sherm Packard’s leadership team now eyeing the House’s top job.
Rep. Jim Kofalt, R-Wilton, who is currently serving as Speaker Pro Tempore, announced he was running for speaker back in January.
Both Osborne and Kofalt have announced a number of endorsements.
Packard, R-Londonderry, is serving his 18th term. He is running for reelection to his seat, but decided not to pursue another term as speaker. He was first elected House Speaker in 2020, after the death of Speaker Dick Hinch.
After this fall’s elections, the House of Representatives convenes to vote for its speaker, selecting from the nominees put forward by the parties.
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