2023 New Hampshire Races
The Importance of the Race – A Win for Democrats
The September 2023 election of Democrat Hal Rafter in a special election in Rockingham County for a seat in New Hampshire’s House was not just a local contest but a significant barometer for the political climate in the state. Hal’s victory by 12 percent followed a pattern of Democratic victories starting with the 2022 election. Prior to the 2022 Midterms, Republicans held a 25 vote margin in their House with Hal’s victory, the Republican majority was down to only 1. Democrats are now in a strong position to take over the House in 2024 and eliminate the Republican trifecta. The 2022 Democratic victories, in which Swing Blue Alliance contributed 280 canvassers and 55 phone bankers demonstrated the current strength and appeal of Democratic candidates in a region where political sentiment can be hard to predict. Jonathan George, Executive Director. NH House Democratic Victory Campaign Committee has stated that the NH Democrats would not be in the position they are (this close to taking over their House) without Swing Blue Alliance’s help.
Swing Blue Alliance’s Contribution to Hal Rafter’s Campaign
Swing Blue Alliance made significant contributions to the Hal Rafter Rockingham campaign in New Hampshire through various activities. A notable effort was in phone banking, where 58 volunteers were mobilized, resulting in 132 shifts and 387 conversations with voters. This direct voter engagement was crucial in spreading the campaign’s message and gauging voter sentiment.
Additionally, Swing Blue Alliance supported canvassing efforts, which are critical in grassroots campaigning. The canvassing activity saw an impressive turnout, with campaign volunteers knocking on 734 doors and having 412 conversations. This face-to-face interaction with voters was instrumental in increasing voter turnout and support for Hal Rafter in an election where less than 3,000 total votes were cast.
Impact and Success
The impact of these efforts was substantial. The phone banking and canvassing campaigns played an important role in increasing voter awareness and engagement. The high number of conversations and doors knocked indicated a deep level of community engagement and personal outreach, which are often key in local races. The success of these efforts is reflected in the outcome of the race, where Hal Rafter emerged victorious.
This victory not only signifies the success of the campaign itself but also underscores the effectiveness of the strategies employed by Swing Blue Alliance. The combination of phone banking and canvassing proved to be a powerful tool in mobilizing support and securing a win in a competitive local race. The success in New Hampshire is a testament to the power of dedicated grassroots efforts and the importance of local, on-the-ground engagement in shaping election outcomes.
