Portsmouth House Member Resigns Over Move Out of Ward

A member of the New Hampshire House representing a ward in Portsmouth and Newington announced their resignation Friday on social media.

Democrat Rep. Robin Vogt, elected to represent Ward 1 in 2022, said he submitted his resignation because of a move out of the district to Durham. He did not disclose the specific reason for making the move.

"As with any big decision in life, changes must come as well. Now being engaged and having a wedding planned for 2024, these decisions matter more than ever. I am excited to become a part of the Durham, NH community; a new chapter," he wrote in his announcement.

Vogt also thanked his neighbors for their support, as well as his fellow legislative Democrats.

"I look forward to our continued communication and activism here in the Granite State and as always, will continue to be here to advocate for our incredible Seacoast region and this state that we call home. Thank you for everything, Portsmouth. Let the beacon of every lighthouse shine brightly upon the future," Vogt said.

According to his personal X account, he is a graphic designer.

Vogt defeated Democratic Rep. Jacqueline Cali-Pitts in the 2023 primary. He was unchallenged in the general election.

Democratic Rep. David Meuse from Portsmouth called Vogt's resignation a "big loss" for the House and his former constituents.

"Thank you for your service and for playing by the rules that at least one of our colleagues didn’t seem to think applied to him. Durham is a great town and they’re getting one of the best," Meuse wrote on his X account.

Meuse is referring to Republican Troy Merner, who represented Lancaster but lived in nearby Carroll.

Star Wars Nerd, Community Activist

Vogt, who calls himself a community activist on his personal X account,  endorsed author Marianne Williamson for president and Cinde Warmington for governor in the upcoming primary.

He is also a self-described Star Wars nerd and New York sports fan.

Vogt drew attention earlier this year when he declined to return from a vacation in Disney World to vote on a bill that would have required schools to inform parents, when asked, if their child is using a different name or pronoun as part of a gender transition.

"Decisions like this are difficult for me; as much as I'd love to be all things to all people and in two places at once, some moments don’t always afford that luxury. Family comes first, and walking away from this vacation would be detrimental to close family relationships," Vogt wrote on his X account.

Vogt's resignation is the seventh since December and gives Republicans a slim majority in the House with 198 members over 195 Democrats and three independents. Four seats are vacant.

A special election will be held to replace Vogt.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via X (Twitter) @DanAlexanderNH