Tensions over violent political rhetoric in New Hampshire have intensified following a series of contentious exchanges between lawmakers and political groups. The dispute began after the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire, a far-right faction disaffiliated from the national Libertarian Party, posted a social media message on September 22 calling for "the assassination of basically every elected Democrat" in the state. The post further suggested that individuals unwilling to endorse violence against Democrats "should probably vote GOP."

In response, Democratic Representative Ned Raynolds of Portsmouth directed a provocative message on September 26 to Jason Osborne, the Republican majority leader in the New Hampshire House. Although the original assassination rhetoric stemmed from the Libertarian group, Raynolds blamed Osborne and other Republican leaders for fostering an environment that enables such incitement. Raynolds accused GOP leadership of maintaining a calculated distance from extremist statements while collaborating with libertarian and free-stater factions to advance what he described as “radical right” policies.

In the direct message to Osborne, Raynolds used crude and misogynistic language and challenged the Republican leader to a street fight without weapons or support, proposing to meet in Portsmouth’s market square. The message included a vulgar phrase suggesting Osborne would be humiliated in the confrontation. Two Republican lawmakers, Deputy Majority Leader Joe Sweeney and Representative Ross Berry, made the screenshot of Raynolds’s message public on September 28. Raynolds confirmed sending the message but characterized it as an invitation rather than a threat.

Osborne, who moved to New Hampshire in 2010 as part of the Free State Project—a campaign to establish a libertarian stronghold in the state—has served as House GOP leader since 2020. He advocates for significant reforms to public education and other policy areas, and is currently vying for the House Speaker role for the 2027–2028 term. Among his supporters is Jeremy Kauffman, chair of the disaffiliated Libertarian Party of New Hampshire, known for his incendiary social media posts.

While other Republicans, including Governor Kelly Ayotte and House Deputy Speaker Steven Smith, condemned the violent rhetoric linked to Kauffman’s group, Osborne did not issue a separate statement. When questioned about his silence on September 28, Osborne said the bipartisan statement jointly issued by Smith and Democratic Minority Leader Alexis Simpson conveyed the position of both parties. He expressed surprise at Raynolds’s message, calling it an act of violence that ran counter to the consistent condemnations of such language.

The Republican lawmakers who released the message pointed to Simpson, urging her to hold her caucus accountable. “Simpson was clear that political leaders have a responsibility to reject this kind of rhetoric regardless of party,” Sweeney said, calling for Simpson to demand Raynolds’s resignation.

Simpson responded that she has consistently denounced violent rhetoric from all sides. She referenced past incidents, including comments by Osborne following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, when Osborne urged young men to “turn up the heat” in a cultural battle, which she had previously labeled “reckless and dangerous.” Simpson reiterated that political disputes must be resolved through democratic processes rather than violence. She acknowledged Raynolds’s behavior but stopped short of calling for his resignation. Raynolds, who is not seeking reelection, has indicated he does not plan to step down.