New Hampshire state House candidate Naomi Andrews

Rockingham County's 9th State House District is a competitive multi-member district located in Epping, New Hampshire, that has two representatives. A vacancy was created when Republican state Rep. Sean Morrison resigned in June. Morrison gave a brutally honest reason for his resignation, stating, “I simply do not wish to serve as a state representative in Epping, or anywhere else any longer.”

Over the course of the past few elections, control of this district has shifted between a 2-0 advantage for Republicans and a 1-1 split, where it stood before Morrison’s resignation. (The other representative is Democrat Mark Vallone.) This constituency is also swingy at the presidential level: Donald Trump carried it 53-41, but Barack Obama prevailed 51-48 four years earlier.

The two candidates in this race were chosen through primary elections. The Democrat is Naomi Andrews, who served as chief of staff and campaign manager to former Rep. Carol Shea-Porter. Andrews ran for her former boss’ seat last year, finishing fourth with 7% in a crowded Democratic field. The Republican is former Rep. Michael Vose, who held a seat in this district for two terms until losing last year to Vallone. During his second term, he represented this area alongside Morrison.

An intriguing feature of special elections this year that have occurred in early presidential primary states has been the involvement of Democratic presidential candidates in some races, particularly the more competitive ones. While Andrews has not enjoyed the direct support of any White House hopefuls, Amy O’Rourke, the wife of Beto O’Rourke, held a canvassing event with her as part of a larger solo tour through the state.

Democrats currently control the state House 233-165 (with one Libertarian member) with this seat vacant.