In a tight race not called until late the day after the election, New Hampshire’s Democratic Governor Maggie Hassan has officially won first-term Republican Senator Kelly Ayotte’s seat on the U.S. Senate, 51-48.
On July 1, New Hampshire governor Maggie Hassan signed an executive order that bans discrimination against transgender personnel in the state government.
“Throughout our history, it has been clear time and again that we always grow stronger when we work to ensure the full inclusion of all citizens in our democracy, our economy and our communities,” said Hassan in a June 30 official press release. “By making clear that gender identity and gender expression are protected in the State’s anti-discrimination policies, this Executive Order helps ensure that New Hampshire state government welcomes and incorporates the talents and contributions of all of our citizens.”
Hassan’s order also requires the Granite State’s Justice Department and Department of Administration Services to review all contracts in light of the order and make sure protection against discrimination is provided for transgender people.
Previously, New Hampshire had laws on the books that assured the rights of lesbians and gay men and other minority groups. With Hassan’s new executive order, New Hampshire now provides equal protection against discrimination for everyone in the state.
According to the Associated Press late Wednesday, November 9:
Ayotte says in a statement that she has contacted Hassan to concede the close race and offer her congratulations. She is thanking the people of New Hampshire for their support.
Democrats have picked up two Republican-held Senate seats — one in Illinois, the other in New Hampshire. They had been far more optimistic about capturing GOP seats on Election Day, but lost in Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri and North Carolina.
Hassan ran on a platform that included the possibility (now a reality) of providing a strong check on Donald Trump and Mike Pence.
