Move The Goalposts

20/09/2026

Just up on Substack: My conversation from a few days ago with Lisa Kennedy Sheldon for NH in the wake of Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald's abrupt resignation from the NH Supreme Court.

I'd also urge you to check out my piece from yesterday, about which I'm very excited, that looks at updated NH-specific polling on which federal issues matter most to NH voters, and which party do they trust more on those issues. You can find it on my Substack at stevemarchand.com. The #4 issue (out of 39 polled!) was...Political Corruption.

And as Lisa & I explore in this conversation, the more you look at the recent decision making of some in our judicial branch, the more you see that this may be a *cultural* issue of corruption, rather than an isolated set of actions. Really important for politics *and* proper governance. See less https://thepoliticsofnewhampshire.substack.com/p/new-podcast-why-the-macdonald-resignation?r=33jxt&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Lisa Kennedy Sheldon & I discuss the consequences of Supreme Court Justice Gordon MacDonald abruptly stepping down.

15/09/2026

Jumping on Substack live to discuss this with Lisa Kennedy Sheldon for NH. Join us by visiting www.SteveMarchand.com at 7:00.

22/08/2026

Pay attention, friends.👇

Did you know we have our own Mitch McConnell situation going on here in NH? New Hampshire Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald is also MIA over health issues.

No explanation, no timeline.

Of course, I hope Chief Justice MacDonald is recovering from whatever ails him and can return to the bench soon.

But the next Executive Council may end up confirming the Governor’s appointment for a New Hampshire Supreme Court Justice.

🚨 And this may be one of the judges who decides whether or not to overturn the Claremont decisions—the 30+-year-old rulings that guarantee every NH kid an adequately funded public education.

The fate of Claremont could hang on who gets to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the next justice.

Who do you want confirming them?

www.lisakennedysheldon.com

P.S. Obviously an AI image!

15/08/2026

Dian McCarthy for NH Senate not only has an adorable dog—she also has a critical fundraising deadline looming tomorrow.

Dian is one of the candidates we’ve deemed critical to flipping the NH Senate, but she needs our help.

, can you donate a few dollars today?

👉 https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dian-mccarthy-1

Friends and , I'm working hard to bring leadership to Concord that puts people first, but I can't do it alone.

If you can afford it, I could really use your support before the next fundraising deadline tomorrow.

New Hampshire is one of the few places where a $50 or $100 donation can make a *real* difference for down-ballot candidates like me.

Please donate today 👉 https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dian-mccarthy-1

P.S. Shameless pic of Finley to grab your attention (because who can ignore that mug?)

14/08/2026

Rockingham County friends—are you following Lisa Kennedy Sheldon for NH yet? 👇

Let me put this plainly: The President’s executive order on vaccines is about politics—not evidence-based clinical practice.

But it can be scary and confusing to get conflicting advice about your children’s health and wellbeing.

Families should follow their healthcare providers' recommendations, which are based on the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines (endorsed by 12 national organizations) and decades of safety data.

Don't delay—book your child's well visit and ask your pediatrician which guidelines they follow. Almost all will cite the AAP.

The NH DHHS vaccine schedule and NH schools continue to follow these guidelines, as well.

The science has not changed. Vaccines save lives.

11/08/2026

Tonight's the night! Register (the link is in the first comment) to watch (& engage in Q&A) as I lay out my first 2026 NH House Projections. In both '22 & '24, the final projections aligned very closely to the actual results, and I've refined it further, spending time with candidates, and crunching the numbers. New maps of all ten NH counties, with the range of outcomes and the variables that will shape who controls the NH House in 2027. Hope to see you at 7pm tonight!

02/08/2026

02/08/2026

Just up, on Substack (and Apple, Spotify, and my YouTube channel): My latest episode of The Steve Marchand Podcast is up for your Sunday enjoyment! Dante Scala & I spend time talking about how NH can address the potential big challenges coming from the DNC's proposed presidential primary process. This is a long time coming (folks have been coming at NH for a long time), but there may be ways to square this circle. I hope you enjoy this combination history lesson, news update, and strategy session.

Dante Scala and I go through the options for New Hampshire Dems - and how this was a long time coming

27/07/2026

Just up, on Substack (in both audio and written form, for those who want to listen to it, instead!): I have a lot of thoughts on NH's role in the 2028 presidential primary process, as well as an idea for simultaneously:
- Complying with state law
- Following the DNC calendar, avoiding steep penalties, & getting the full participation of a cavalcade of Dem candidates the next 18+ months
- Remaining at the dead center of helping nominate a candidate who can win in 2028.
I hope you'll read/listen to it and give me your thoughts about my suggestion.
I've been engaged in since I was 10 years old in 1984, holding a sign in a blizzard for Gary Hart.

Something I believe the DNC misunderstands is that point of going first isn’t supposed to be that it picks the winner; it’s supposed to be that it gives everybody a shot at becoming the winner.
And then, after the first Primary Night is decided, the field is stronger, wiser, clarified, and better prepared for the long process - including the general election - that lies ahead.

The DNC says NH can't go 1st in 2028, but state law says we must. I've got thoughts on this, including an idea on how to square this circle.

22/07/2026

I hope you'll make it Saturday, August 22nd, 1-4pm, for our 3rd Annual Dollars for Downballot Dems Fundraising Party. It'll be at my home again in North Hampton - only $25 for a ticket, and sponsorships begin as low as $250. We'll have dozens of targeted House, Senate & Exec Council candidates, beer & wine, plenty of my homemade pulled pork & hot honey chicken sandwiches, outstanding Mediterranean food, and tons of great conversation. Get your tickets today here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dollars4downballotdems2026