Hillary Clinton is slated to return to New Hampshire next month, marking her first public appearance in the state in six years, as she prepares to headline the McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner. The event, scheduled for April 25 in Nashua, serves as the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s marquee annual fundraising gathering. The announcement, made by the state party on Thursday, March 26, 2026, positioned Clinton as the primary attraction for one of the most significant events on the New Hampshire Democratic calendar.
New Hampshire holds a unique place in the nation's political landscape, having historically kicked off the presidential primary process for over a century. Clinton's visits to the Granite State have been a regular feature of its political life, particularly during her presidential campaigns. Her last public appearance in New Hampshire was in 2019 at Dartmouth College, preceded by a book tour stop in Concord in December 2017. While Clinton has publicly stated in an interview last month that a third presidential run is "not in the cards" for 2028, citing the Democratic Party's "good bench" of prospective candidates, her continued engagement in party events draws considerable attention.
Ray Buckley, the long-serving chair of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, expressed enthusiasm for Clinton's participation. In a statement released prior to her appearance, Buckley lauded her extensive career in public service. "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 stated. He further added, "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." Buckley also informed Fox News that Clinton intends to use the evening to honor Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who is concluding her 40-year career in public service. Senator Shaheen is notable for being the first woman in U.S. history to be elected both governor and U.S. senator. A spokesperson for Clinton confirmed to Fox News her eagerness to make the trip back to New Hampshire.
Despite the warm reception from the state party's leadership, Clinton's impending visit has not been universally welcomed within New Hampshire's Democratic circles. A veteran progressive figure in the state reportedly voiced strong objections to the decision to feature Clinton so prominently at the dinner. "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," the source told Fox News.
The progressive critique extended further, with the same individual asserting, "As exemplary as Hillary Clinton’s conduct was with respect to the Epstein congressional subpoena, 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." This sentiment reflects a broader tension within the Democratic Party between its established figures and a segment of its progressive wing that advocates for new leadership and more transformative policies.
However, others with deep knowledge of New Hampshire politics offered a contrasting perspective. Lucas Meyer, a nonprofit leader based in the state and a former president of the New Hampshire Young Democrats, highlighted Clinton's enduring appeal among many local party members. "A lot of New Hampshire Democrats have a lot of affection and love for Secretary Clinton and for her service to our country," Meyer commented. Meyer, who previously worked as a campaign strategist, also contextualized the fundraising dinner's purpose, emphasizing its organizational utility regardless of the headliner. "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 explained.
The New Hampshire Democratic Party itself underscored its excitement, tweeting, "We’re thrilled to announce Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton will be headlining the 2026 McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner! NH Democrats, you won’t want to miss out. Tickets are on sale now! #NHPolitics." This internal party debate underscores the ongoing strategic considerations for Democrats as they seek to balance the experience and fundraising prowess of long-standing figures with the calls for new directions and fresh faces from within their progressive ranks, all while aiming to build a robust political future in a crucial swing state.
