(The Center Square) — New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte has tapped a private attorney who has represented the Republican Party to fill a pending vacancy on the state’s highest court.
Ayotte announced Tuesday that she has nominated Bryan K. Gould of Concord to serve as an Associate Justice on the five-member New Hampshire Supreme Court to replace outgoing Justice James Bassett, who is retiring on Aug. 31.
The governor praised Gould as “an accomplished attorney with the depth of knowledge, integrity, and service” required of the top judicial post.
“I know Bryan will uphold our Constitution as he evaluates cases that come before the Court,” Ayotte said. “Granite Staters will be well served by his fairness and sound judgment.”
Ayotte also re-nominated Attorney General John Formella to serve another term as the state’s top law enforcement official, ending weeks of speculation about whether the first-term governor would seek to replace him. Formella has served as attorney general since 2021, when then-Gov. Chris Sununu tapped him for the post.
“Over the last several months, I appreciated the opportunity to work closely with Attorney General Formella and see firsthand his commitment to keeping our state the safest in the nation,” she said. “Together, we will ensure New Hampshire continues to support law enforcement, keep violent criminals off our streets, and protect victims.”
Both nominations were officially submitted on Wednesday to the state’s Executive Council, which has final say over their confirmation.
Gould attended college and law school in Utah and began his legal career in Nevada before joining the New Hampshire bar in 1990, according to the Ayotte administration. He is a director at the law firm Cleveland Waters and Bass and has represented the New Hampshire Republican State Committee and served as counsel to former Republican Gov. Craig Benson. He was also legal counsel to Ayotte’s gubernatorial campaign.
In a statement, Gould said serving on the state’s highest court “means making a commitment to putting the law and the Constitutions of the United States and New Hampshire over one’s personal beliefs.”
“Having argued before courts countless times, I understand the weight a judge’s decision carries and will be dedicated to the obligation to be fair and impartial in my decision making,” he said.
Ayotte’s pick for the associate justice post drew immediate praise from the state’s Republican Party, which said Gould will “uphold the rule of law in our constitution, and he will serve with integrity and fairness.”
“In a time when activist judges try to inject their personal politics into their decision-making, Gov. Ayotte recognized the need to nominate a principal conservative who will not legislate from the batch,” NH GOP chairman Kim Maceachern said in a statement. “I urge the executive council to confirm his nomination without delay.”
