Republicans swept two special elections in Coos County on Tuesday
COOS COUNTY — Republicans swept two special elections in Coos County on Tuesday. In the Coos 1 House district, Sean Durkin of Northumberland beat Democratic challenger Cathleen Fountain of Dalton by a 1,289-851 margin. Durkin replaces former Rep. Troy Merner, R-Carroll, who resigned over residency violations and faces criminal charges. He will represent the four-town district of Dalton, Lancaster, Northumberland and Stratford through November. Meanwhile, Republican Mike Murphy of Gorham defeated Democrat Edith Tucker of Randolph in the Coos 6 House special election. Murphy flipped the district, replacing former Rep. Bill Hatch, D-Gorham, who stepped down for personal reasons. With the sweep, Republicans increased their slim advantage in the New Hampshire House to 200-195, with three independents and two seats vacant.
