By ZACH LAIRD, InDepthNH.org

Three candidates have launched bids for Speaker of the House, including House Majority Leader Jason Osborne, R-Auburn, Rep. Jim Kofalt, R-Wilton, and Deputy Speaker Rep. Steven Smith, R-Charleston. Reactions to their campaigns have been mixed.

Records from the Secretary of State show that all three have filed with the campaign finance system and set up accounts for contributions. Smith has received the sole donation so far, a $250 gift from Highland and Avery LLC, a property management firm based in Plymouth.

Smith is serving his eighth term and represents Charlestown, Newport, and Unity in Sullivan County. Kofalt is in his third term and covers Wilton, Temple, and New Ipswich. Osborne was first elected in 2014 after moving from Ohio to New Hampshire in 2010 through the Free State Project, a libertarian initiative launched in 2001 to encourage relocation to one state for greater community impact. Executive Director Eric Brakey estimates that 6,000 to 10,000 participants have relocated under the project.

The three candidates were unavailable for additional remarks.

Rep. Wendy Thomas, D-Merrimack, stated that the next Speaker will be a Democrat rather than any of the Free Staters now running. She noted that community discussions across the state reveal fatigue with bullying, political maneuvering, and outside ideological influences that sideline everyday concerns.

Thomas added that residents seek a transparent and accountable House focused on solutions rather than scoring points. She called for honest budgeting, open government, and leadership that serves all 400 representatives fairly instead of favoring the loudest or most extreme voices.

She further observed that Free State Project influence has promoted priorities out of step with most New Hampshire families. While property taxes rise due to inadequate state support for public schools, GOP leadership has often favored partisan messaging over practical fixes, she said.

Thomas emphasized that Democrats must offer a new direction, including fair education funding to ease property tax burdens, transparent budgeting, and government accountable to citizens rather than special interests or ideological groups.

House Democratic Leader Alexis Simpson, D-Exeter, said Republicans are advancing the same extreme agenda regardless of their choice. She cited examples such as guns in dorm rooms and benefits for the ultra-wealthy while ignoring resident needs and driving up property taxes. Democrats, she noted, are engaging communities to address real challenges.

Rep. Brian Labrie, R-Bedford, endorsed Osborne, describing him as exceptionally hardworking and present at events. Labrie said his blue-collar background aligns with Osborne's drive to deliver results.

Rep. Diane Kelley, R-Temple, backed Kofalt because she has served as his running mate for three terms and values his support for removing vaccine mandates, including those for pets.

Rep. Kenneth L. Wyler, R-Kingston, praised Smith's experience as chair of the House Transportation Committee and his ability to speak without notes. Wyler said Smith treats colleagues with respect and would foster a more congenial House. He viewed Kofalt as lacking sufficient experience and called Osborne somewhat controversial, placing Smith in a league of his own.

Louise Spencer of the Kent Street Coalition warned that Republicans are premature in their planning. She said the party's six-year control of the House, Senate, and governorship has led to rising property taxes, struggling schools, reduced local authority, and affordability challenges tied to the GOP Free State agenda. Changing the Speaker will not alter that direction, she argued, and only a Democratic majority can shift course.

Rep. Heath Howard, D-Strafford, said voters seek different leadership than what has come from the Speaker's office. He noted that Republicans appear to assume victory before the election and have made it harder for the public to grant them unchecked power months ahead of time.