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Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will return to New Hampshire next month to headline a major Democratic Party fundraiser, though she has firmly ruled out another presidential run. Clinton will be the main speaker at the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s annual McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner on April 25 in Nashua, the state party announced Thursday.
The visit to the first-in-the-nation primary state comes as Clinton has explicitly stated she will not seek the presidency again. In a recent interview, she dismissed speculation about her political future, saying the Democratic Party has “a good bench” of potential candidates for the next presidential cycle.
According to NHDP Chair Ray Buckley, Clinton’s appearance will highlight her decades of public service and provide an opportunity to honor retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen for her 40 years in public office. Shaheen made history as the first woman in the nation elected as both governor and U.S. senator.
“Through decades of public service — as first lady, a U.S. senator, and secretary of state — Secretary Clinton has fought tirelessly for women’s rights and been a champion for economic security around the world,” Buckley said in a statement. “Her work to expand voting rights, strengthen child and family leave policies and combat global health crises has made a lasting impact both here and abroad.”
Clinton has a complex history with New Hampshire voters. She won the state’s Democratic presidential primary in 2008 during her competitive battle with Barack Obama but suffered a decisive loss to Senator Bernie Sanders in 2016. This will mark her third visit to the Granite State since her 2016 general election defeat to Donald Trump, following appearances in 2017 and 2019.
Not everyone in New Hampshire Democratic circles welcomes Clinton’s return. One anonymous progressive leader in the state criticized the decision, telling Fox News Digital: “Although this may be a good invite to raise money for the party, it is another example of how completely tone-deaf the party is to the need for real change. She’s yesterday’s news, hasn’t offered a new idea in decades and doesn’t serve the needs of building a new Democratic majority in New Hampshire.”
However, other state Democratic figures see practical benefits in having Clinton headline the fundraiser. Lucas Meyer, a New Hampshire-based nonprofit leader and former president of the New Hampshire Young Democrats, noted that “a lot of New Hampshire Democrats have a lot of affection and love for Secretary Clinton and for her service to our country.”
Meyer emphasized that the event’s primary purpose is fundraising to support Democratic campaigns in the coming year. “Secretary Clinton has a pretty broad appeal, and since she’s not running, there’s a little more flexibility for her to raise money for the party and to attract donors to cut checks for the state,” he said.
Both Hillary and former President Bill Clinton have historically been strong supporters of New Hampshire’s traditional first-in-the-nation primary status, a position that has endeared them to many state Democratic leaders over the years.
The McIntyre-Shaheen dinner represents an important fundraising opportunity for the New Hampshire Democratic Party as it prepares for upcoming electoral battles in a state that remains politically competitive. New Hampshire has been a critical swing state in recent presidential elections and maintains outsized importance in American politics despite its relatively small size.
Clinton’s visit comes at a time when Democrats nationwide are working to regroup and develop strategies for future election cycles, with fundraising playing a crucial role in those efforts.
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8 Comments
While Clinton may not be seeking the presidency again, her continued influence in the Democratic Party is undeniable. Her fundraising efforts and support for candidates like Jeanne Shaheen underscores her ongoing political relevance.
It will be interesting to see if Clinton’s appearance generates any buzz or discussion around her potential future involvement in the party’s leadership.
While Clinton has ruled out another presidential run, her return to New Hampshire suggests she remains engaged in the political process and committed to supporting Democratic candidates and causes. Her fundraising efforts and high-profile appearances keep her in the spotlight.
Clinton’s visit to New Hampshire highlights her continued importance in Democratic politics, despite her decision not to run for president again. Her experience and influence make her a valuable asset for the party, even if she’s not on the ballot.
It will be interesting to see how Clinton’s appearance is received and whether it sparks any renewed speculation about her future plans.
Interesting to see Clinton return to New Hampshire, even if not for a political comeback. Her decades of public service and advocacy for women’s rights are noteworthy, though her political future remains uncertain.
I’m curious to see if her appearance will generate any speculation about a potential future role, even if she has ruled out another presidential run.
Clinton’s return to New Hampshire is a reminder of her enduring political clout, even if she’s not actively seeking elected office. Her focus on honoring Senator Shaheen’s long career suggests an interest in maintaining her profile and connections within the party.