Dear Colleagues,

In January, I shared my intention to seek the office of Speaker for the 2027–2028 term. Now, as the legislative session draws to a close, I’d like to offer further details about my vision for the role and to ask for your support.

Selecting a Speaker is one of the most important decisions our caucus will make, so I encourage you to make your decision thoughtfully and independently. While I understand many may not yet be ready to commit to a particular candidate, I stand ready to discuss your concerns, hear your suggestions, and answer questions about my approach to the role of Speaker.

I am seeking the speakership not because I have long desired the title, but rather because I am committed to the future of the House and our effectiveness as a body. I believe I am the right person to lead and that now is the right time.

Speaker Packard has guided our caucus through unprecedented times, overseen significant institutional improvements, and advanced a conservative agenda that has delivered meaningful results for the people of New Hampshire. I intend to build on that success and further strengthen our caucus through greater unity, trust, civility, and productivity.

The office of Speaker carries responsibilities that extend far beyond the House Chamber. The Speaker’s role is to help organize the work of the House, guide debate, maintain clear communication with Members and staff, navigate disagreements, and maintain the order, professionalism, and decorum necessary for the institution to function effectively. These duties include:

• Advancing our shared priorities as a Republican majority while protecting the integrity and traditions of the institution.
• Setting the tone and culture of the institution by fostering trust, professionalism, mutual respect, accountability, and productive working relationships among Members.
• Establishing the legislative calendar for the biennium, including House session dates, committee schedules, deadlines, and the overall flow of legislative business.
• Appointing House leadership, committee chairs, committee members, and various other legislative appointments necessary to carry out the work of the House.
• Managing day-to-day legislative operations, including staff oversight, bill referrals, review of committee recommendations, parliamentary procedure, and the consistent application of House Rules.
• Addressing internal personnel and Member-related matters that arise within the operation of the House and helping resolve disputes when necessary and in a timely manner.
• Fostering productive relationships with the Senate, the Governor, and Members of the minority party to help ensure effective governance and proactively resolve differences before they escalate during Committees of Conference.
• Overseeing House facilities including the maintenance of existing space, long-term planning, renovations, and future construction projects.
• Representing the New Hampshire House throughout our state by attending community events, engaging with constituents, and visiting local businesses and organizations.
• Cultivating relationships with leaders from other states to defend states’ rights, strengthen interstate cooperation, and advance the principles of federalism.
• Encouraging business investment in New Hampshire by fostering goodwill relationships that extend beyond our state’s borders.

I understand and embrace both the visible and less visible responsibilities of the office. I am prepared to devote the time, attention, and energy necessary to manage the daily work of the House, represent our institution with professionalism, and ensure every decision is guided by the best interests of the House, our caucus, and the people of New Hampshire.

I have a clear vision for what we can accomplish together. I aim to build consensus whenever possible, but I will not shy away from making tough decisions when necessary. As Speaker, I will expect Members to conduct themselves professionally and to treat one another, our constituents, legislative staff, and others with dignity and respect. First and foremost, I will expect our leadership team to uphold high standards of decorum and professionalism.

Some of my specific plans include expanding opportunities for training, mentorship, and networking for both legislators and staff, increasing the efficiency and impact of our work, and showcasing the House as a co-equal partner in our state government.

Other areas of focus will include strengthening agency accountability (especially with respect to testimony); closely scrutinizing fiscal notes to ensure sound oversight and accurate cost projections; expanding the range of disciplinary tools available to address misconduct within the House; increasing legislative review and auditing of administrative rules; and identifying opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our work.

I would be deeply honored to earn your support and your vote over the next few months. At the same time, I want to be clear about how I intend to conduct this campaign and, if elected, how I intend to lead.

I will not compromise my principles or tailor my positions to win support. I am always willing to explain my votes and decisions, but I will not offer committee assignments, leadership positions, or other inducements in exchange for support. I believe support should be earned honestly and openly. I will not rely on manufactured displays of support or use my current position to pressure Members. My commitment is to lead with integrity, consistency, and respect for every Member of our caucus.

Throughout the summer and fall, I will be hosting events and meeting with many of you to discuss my vision for the House and to hear your ideas and concerns, whether or not you are seeking reelection. We also have a significant number of vacancies and open seats across the state, and each of us should do what we can to recruit strong Republican candidates so that we maintain and strengthen our majority. I will continue doing my part, including my work with the Committee to Elect House Republicans in helping GOP candidates win this fall, and with the 603 Alliance to help train future legislators.

Thank you for the work you do every day on behalf of your constituents and for the collegiality that makes this body unique. Candidates should look for a letter from me in your mailbox over the next week or two with additional information. 

As the campaign season unfolds, I will be contacting each of you personally to ask for your support. In the meantime, I encourage you to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or just want to share your ideas. You can email me at victory2026@jimkofalt.com, or call me directly at 603.264.2647.

I look forward to continuing our work together.

Respectfully,