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John Formella
John Formella
John Formella
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John Michael Formella (born 1986 or 1987)[1] is an American lawyer serving as the 31st Attorney General of New Hampshire since 2021. He previously served as legal counsel for Governor Chris Sununu.[1][2][3]

Key Information

Early life and career

[edit]

Formella was born in Rochester, Minnesota, to John and Nancy Formella. He has been a resident of New Hampshire since 1999, when his family relocated to New Hampshire from Florida.[4] He attended Florida State University from 2004 to 2009, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in English Literature and later an M.S. in Applied American Politics and Policy. Formella later attended George Washington University Law School, where he graduated with honors and was a member of the George Washington University International Law Review. In 2009, Formella served as a legislative intern for Florida State Representative Steve Crisafulli. In 2010, he served as a judicial intern to United States district judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington of the Middle District of Florida.[5]

After graduating from law school in 2012, Formella began his career in private practice at Pierce Atwood LLP --- one of the largest law firms in Northern New England at the time. At Pierce Atwood, Formella practiced actively in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine and was a member of the Firm's Business and Environmental Law practice groups.[6] He left the firm in January 2017 to accept an appointment as Legal Counsel to incoming New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu.

Formella served as Governor Chris Sununu's legal counsel from Sununu's first day in office on January 5, 2017, through April 16, 2021. In that role, he advised the Governor and coordinated with the New Hampshire Department of Justice and Executive Branch officials on all significant legal issues and litigation affecting the State. In addition, he worked with the Sununu administration to address numerous and significant challenges, including the negotiation of a revised seven year MET/DSH settlement agreement that brought stability to New Hampshire's healthcare system, the establishment of a new Doorway Program that greatly enhanced the State's response to the Opioid Crisis, criminal justice reform initiatives that secured the support of law enforcement and community stakeholders, and the multi-faceted efforts that the State of New Hampshire undertook to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.[5]

New Hampshire Attorney General

[edit]

On March 3, 2021, Governor Chris Sununu nominated Formella to succeed Gordon J. MacDonald as New Hampshire Attorney General. Formella was confirmed by the Executive Council of New Hampshire in a 4-1 party line vote on March 24, 2021, and sworn into office on April 22, 2021.[7]

As Attorney General, Formella serves as the New Hampshire's Chief Law Enforcement Officer, Chief Prosecutor, and Chief Legal Officer.

Formella has continued the efforts of past New Hampshire Attorneys General to pursue companies responsible for fueling the opioid epidemic. On September 28, 2021, Formella announced that New Hampshire would join a $21 billion settlement with opioid distributors McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health and Amerisource Bergen.[8] Under the settlement, New Hampshire will receive approximately $115 million over 18 years.

Formella joined in various efforts to oppose actions by President Joe Biden's administration. New Hampshire was part of a coalition of 13 states that sued the Biden administration over a provision in the American Rescue Plan Act that bars states from using relief money to offset tax cuts.[9] Formella also partnered with 19 other attorneys general to submit comments opposing proposed rules from The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) that would increase regulation of firearms kits.[10]  

As part of an investigation into the impact of social media on young people in 2023, Formella asked families to share stories of teenagers and children who were harmed by social media.[11]

Actions against NSC-131

[edit]

On January 17, 2023, John Formella along with Portsmouth Police Chief Mark Newport announced an enforcement action against the neo-Nazi[12][13] Nationalist Social Club (NSC-131), Christopher Hood and Leo Anthony Cullinan for violating New Hampshire's Civil Rights Act and conspiring to violate New Hampshire's Civil Rights Act. The civil complaint read as that Hood, Cullinan and NSC-131 members trespassed onto an overpass and hung a banner reading "Keep New England White", and that these actions were motivated by race.[14] These charges were eventually dismissed by Rockingham County Superior Court Judge David Ruoff.[15]

On December 12, 2023, John Formella announced an enforcement action by the New Hampshire Department of Justice's Civil Rights Unit against Nationalist Social Club-131 ("NSC-131"), Christopher Hood, and nineteen John Does for violating the New Hampshire Law Against Discrimination, RSA Chapter 354-A. The civil complaint alleges that Hood led a group of 19 John Does tried to intimidate the Teatotaller Cáfe into stopping their drag story hour.[16] The case is still ongoing.

References

[edit]
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John Formella

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from Grokipedia
John Formella is an American attorney serving as the 31st Attorney General of New Hampshire since April 2021, acting as the state's chief , chief , and chief legal advisor. Nominated by Republican to succeed Gordon MacDonald and confirmed by the Executive Council, Formella was reconfirmed unanimously for a second four-year term in September 2025 under . A graduate of with bachelor's and master's degrees and of with honors, he previously worked as chief legal counsel to , contributing to initiatives on healthcare, the crisis, and . During his tenure, Formella has secured major settlements, including $40.5 million from over claims, and prevailed in an antitrust suit against regarding digital advertising monopolies. He expanded the state's Unit, created a Northern Cold Case Conference, and led prosecutions of violent offenders, including the Harmony Montgomery murder case. In December 2024, Formella was elected president of the National Association of Attorneys General, prioritizing efforts to combat and drug trafficking. At age 35 upon taking office, he became the youngest in half a century, and his administration has navigated challenges such as the Youth Development Center litigation, where an independent report affirmed proper management of victim settlements despite objections from some advocates alleging interference in damage awards.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

John Michael Formella was born in 1987 in . He spent his early childhood in , before his family relocated to in 1999 when he was 12 years old. Formella's parents were John and Nancy Formella. His mother, a with an and CNNA credentials, pursued executive roles in healthcare following the family's move, including serving as president of Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital and becoming the first female chief executive at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Nancy Formella passed away on January 16, 2020, at age 66. The family's transition to aligned with her professional advancement in the state's medical sector, indicating an environment oriented toward career achievement and stability.

Academic background and initial interests

Formella attended Hanover High School in , graduating prior to pursuing higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree magna cum laude from in 2009 and was inducted into for academic excellence. Formella also received a in applied American politics and policy from the same institution, reflecting an early focus on governmental and policy frameworks. Formella obtained his with honors from in 2012. This progression through undergraduate honors, specialized graduate study in , and legal training provided foundational qualifications for subsequent roles in and public service.

Private practice experience

Following his graduation from George Washington University Law School in 2012, Formella entered private practice at Pierce Atwood LLP, a prominent based in . He remained with the firm until approximately 2017, accumulating about five years of experience in a regional practice known for handling complex commercial matters. Formella's work at Pierce Atwood centered on corporate, environmental, and law, where he provided counsel on regulatory issues, permitting processes, and business transactions involving . This included advising clients on compliance with state and federal environmental regulations and navigating and approvals, areas requiring detailed analysis of statutory frameworks and potential litigation risks. His litigation experience in these domains honed skills in evidentiary presentation and , as evidenced by his firm's emphasis on defending interests in administrative and court proceedings. These roles at Pierce Atwood, one of Northern New England's largest firms, equipped Formella with practical proficiency in balancing advocacy with regulatory adherence, directly transferable to high-stakes advisory functions. No public records detail specific client representations or case outcomes from this period, consistent with professional confidentiality norms in private practice.

Areas of specialization

In private practice at Pierce Atwood LLP in , Formella specialized in business law, with a focus on commercial transactions including , where he advised clients on deal structuring, , and to facilitate corporate growth and risk mitigation. His environmental law practice emphasized regulatory challenges and permitting processes under state and federal statutes, such as navigating requirements and wetland delineations to enable development projects while addressing ecological constraints like preservation and controls. Formella successfully represented clients in obtaining necessary approvals for real estate developments, demonstrating expertise in balancing economic viability with environmental mandates, as evidenced by his work on behalf of investors in resolving permitting hurdles that supported resort expansion and tourism revenue generation. In matters, Formella handled variances, site plan reviews, and municipal appeals, often serving as counsel for property owners contesting local ordinances that impeded construction, with outcomes that prioritized causal links between regulatory approvals and tangible benefits like increased housing supply amid New Hampshire's shortages. His concurrent role on the Board of Adjustment provided practical insight into adjudicating such disputes, reinforcing his advisory proficiency in aligning with community planning goals without litigation. Over approximately four and a half years in these domains, Formella amassed experience in non-litigious resolutions, contributing to client successes in compliance and project execution rather than adversarial proceedings.

Service as gubernatorial counsel

Appointment under Governor Sununu

John Formella was appointed as legal counsel to Governor on January 5, 2017, the day Sununu assumed office following his election victory. Prior to entering state government, Formella had established a legal career in private practice at Pierce Atwood LLP, one of the largest law firms in northern , where he focused on environmental, , and business law across , , and . His selection reflected Sununu's emphasis on recruiting experienced attorneys from the to provide practical advisory support to the executive branch amid priorities such as regulatory reform and . As , Formella's primary responsibilities included advising the governor on all significant legal matters affecting the executive branch, including interpretations of state statutes, potential litigation risks, and compliance with federal and state regulations. He collaborated closely with the Department of Justice and other state agencies to ensure alignment between executive actions and legal frameworks. This advisory role positioned him as a key internal resource for navigating the procedural and constitutional constraints on gubernatorial authority, distinct from prosecutorial functions handled by the attorney general's office. In the early phase of Sununu's administration, Formella contributed to policy formulation by reviewing legal implications of proposed executive initiatives, such as adjustments to environmental permitting processes and business incentives, helping to ground them in enforceable structures. These efforts supported the governor's agenda of streamlining regulations while mitigating exposure to challenges under New Hampshire's constitutional .

Key advisory roles and contributions

As legal to Governor from January 5, 2017, John Formella provided guidance on executive policies, including assistance in drafting the state budget and input on studies regarding expansion, paid family and medical leave, and funding for full-day kindergarten through revenue. His advisory role extended to regulatory reform, where he served as liaison to a steering committee that identified and eliminated approximately 1,600 obsolete or redundant state rules, streamlining administrative processes and reducing regulatory burdens on businesses and residents. This effort contributed to New Hampshire's reputation for intervention, with measurable reductions in rulemaking that avoided potential legal challenges from overreach. Formella also vetted candidates and advised on judicial selections, including the appointment of five new judges and Anna Barbara "Bobbie" Hantz Marconi to the in , ensuring alignment with statutory qualifications and bolstering the state's judiciary without noted confirmation disputes. In public safety infrastructure, he assessed federal proposals such as the FirstNet nationwide broadband network for ; deeming projected costs unrealistic, his analysis supported New Hampshire's December decision to become the first state to , preserving flexibility to develop a state-managed alternative and mitigating risks of dependency on federal contracts. Additionally, he accompanied Sununu to the to address the opioid crisis and advocate for deferring of approximately 70 Indonesian nationals in Somersworth facing removal, linking state-level enforcement with federal policy adjustments. These contributions demonstrated Formella's influence in preempting legal vulnerabilities and facilitating policy implementation, as evidenced by the absence of successful challenges to the regulatory cuts or judicial picks during Sununu's early terms. His work in these areas informed his transition to in 2021, where executive advisory experience directly supported broader responsibilities.

Tenure as Attorney General

Initial appointment and first term overview

John Formella was nominated by on March 3, 2021, to serve as , succeeding Gordon MacDonald, who had been appointed to the . The nomination followed Sununu's announcement on March 2, 2021, highlighting Formella's prior role as gubernatorial counsel. Formella's appointment was confirmed by the Governor's Executive Council on March 30, 2021. Formella was sworn into office as the 31st Attorney General of New Hampshire on April 22, 2021, assuming the role of the state's chief law enforcement officer, chief prosecutor, and chief legal officer. His initial term spanned from 2021 to 2025, during which the Department of Justice operated under a framework emphasizing diligent, independent, and integrity-driven service to the public. The office's high-level priorities under Formella's first term centered on upholding public safety and the , including pursuing justice through prosecutions, delivering high-quality legal representation to state entities, safeguarding consumer rights and the environment, and overseeing coordination across the state. This foundational approach guided the department's operations without delving into specific enforcement actions or outcomes.

Major law enforcement and prosecutorial achievements

During Formella's tenure as , the Department of Justice achieved a 92.3% clearance rate for the state's 2022 homicides, significantly exceeding the national average for that year. This success stemmed from enhanced coordination among investigators and prosecutors handling complex cases involving violent offenders. High-profile prosecutions included the 2024 second-degree murder conviction of for the 2019 death of his five-year-old daughter, Harmony Montgomery, after she suffered fatal abuse while in his custody; Montgomery was sentenced to a minimum of 30 years to life in prison in May 2024. In October 2025, Hassan Sapry was convicted of first-degree murder and related charges in the 2019 stabbing death of a Laconia , rejecting an insanity defense and receiving a life sentence without parole. These cases exemplified the office's focus on securing convictions in child abuse-related homicides and violent assaults through rigorous evidentiary processes. Formella oversaw the expansion of the Unit in August 2025, adding two full-time investigators from the Department of Justice and two veteran detectives from the to enhance investigative capacity for unsolved homicides. This initiative built on prior technological integrations, such as , which resolved the 1981 Portsmouth murder of Laura Kempton in July 2023 by identifying deceased suspect Ronney James Lee as responsible. Additionally, in September 2025, the unit identified the final victim in the long-standing Bear Brook serial murders as Rea Rasmussen, closing identification efforts in a case involving multiple victims linked to serial offender Terry Rasmussen. These advancements prioritized empirical methods to deliver closure in decades-old violent crimes.

Civil rights enforcement actions

In January 2023, Formella's office filed a civil against the (NSC-131), a white nationalist group, and its member Christopher Hood, alleging violations of New Hampshire's (RSA 354-B) stemming from the group's display of a "Keep New England White" banner along a public highway in on January 17, 2023. The charged the defendants with conspiring to interfere with residents' civil rights through threats or motivated by bias against protected classes, including race and national origin. On December 13, 2023, the Department of Justice Civil Rights Unit, under Formella's direction, filed a second civil complaint against NSC-131, Hood, and at least 19 unnamed members, accusing them of violating the state's Law Against Discrimination (RSA 354-A) and during disruptions at events featuring drag story hours in Concord, , and Nashua between June and November 2023. The filings detailed incidents where group members allegedly entered libraries, shouted slurs, made threats, and confronted attendees—actions claimed to create an intimidating environment that interfered with families' rights to access public accommodations free from discrimination based on or . The state sought $10,000 administrative fines per first-time violation, injunctive relief to bar future interference, and civil penalties up to $25,000 for patterns of misconduct. These enforcement actions utilized RSA 354-B's provisions against bias-motivated interference with civil rights in public spaces, aiming to deter hate groups from engaging in conduct that allegedly escalates beyond protected speech into actionable threats or disruptions. Formella emphasized the office's commitment to upholding the statutes to protect Granite Staters from and violence, stating that would not serve as a haven for groups committing such illegal acts. The Civil Rights Unit's expansion in late 2023, adding staff to handle a reported surge in bias complaints, supported these targeted prosecutions against identified hate-motivated activities.

Involvement in election integrity and voter law challenges

As Attorney General, John Formella has defended state election laws aimed at bolstering voter eligibility verification, particularly in response to federal constitutional challenges. In Coalition for Open Democracy et al. v. Formella, filed on September 30, 2024, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire, plaintiffs including the ACLU and contested House Bill 1569 (HB 1569), enacted May 2024 and effective November 11, 2024. HB 1569 eliminates affidavits for , mandates documentary proof of U.S. (such as a or ), and requires photo identification for absentee ballots, measures designed to confirm only citizens vote. Formella's office moved to dismiss the complaint, asserting HB 1569 prevents the dilution of lawful votes by ineligible participants, aligning with federal (18 U.S.C. § 611) and state (RSA 659:1) prohibitions on non-citizen voting. The state argued the requirements enhance election integrity without undue burden, as multiple document options exist and no registration denials stemmed from citizenship proof failures post-enactment. On review, the court granted the motion in part and denied it in part, allowing certain claims to proceed while dismissing others, underscoring the law's targeted focus on verifiable eligibility over self-attestation. These defenses draw causal support from documented instances of ineligible voting under prior rules. On July 22, 2025, Formella's office charged Naseef Bryan, a non-U.S. citizen green-card holder from Manchester, with three felony counts of wrongful voting for participating in elections despite lacking citizenship. Similarly, in October 2025, Grace Gato of Hudson faced wrongful voting charges after submitting an ineligible ballot, highlighting gaps in affidavit-based systems that HB 1569 addresses by prioritizing empirical documentation to mitigate fraud risks. Such enforcement actions, announced directly by the Attorney General's office, provide concrete evidence of vulnerabilities in less stringent verification, justifying causal reforms to safeguard vote integrity without suppressing eligible participation.

Handling of institutional abuse investigations

Formella's office has led criminal investigations into historical abuse allegations at the Youth Development Center (YDC), a state-run juvenile facility in , spanning decades. These probes have yielded indictments against staff members, including 10 individuals charged on July 28, 2021, with offenses related to physical and of residents. The investigation remained active as of June 30, 2022, with the office reporting continued review of allegations from the YDC and its successor, the Sununu Youth Services Center (SYSC). Progress included a conviction leading to a former employee's sentencing of decades in prison on January 27, 2025, marking the second such trial outcome in the probe. On the civil front, the office advocated for a dedicated settlement fund to address victim claims efficiently, proposing an initial $100 million allocation in 2022 to preempt extensive litigation and facilitate compensation. By July 24, 2024, the fund had disbursed over $95 million to claimants, incorporating more than 130 additional filings beyond earlier rounds. Quarterly reporting through April 16, 2025, documented $160.6 million in actual settlements for resolved claims, inclusive of interest. Facing aggregate claims exceeding $2.1 billion from nearly 2,000 filers by October 1, 2025, the office backed legislative modifications to the fund's administration enacted in 2025, which introduced oversight of proposed awards to align payouts with evidentiary standards and fiscal constraints. Formella affirmed support for these adjustments, citing their role in sustaining the program's viability amid unanticipated claim volumes. On September 22, 2025, a judge validated the revised terms, permitting continued operations under the updated framework despite pending challenges. In June 2023, a New Hampshire Superior Court judge dismissed civil rights complaints filed by Attorney General John Formella's office against the Nationalist Social Club 131 (NSC-131) and its leader Christopher Hood, ruling that the allegations stemming from the group's display of "Keep New England White" banners did not constitute actionable violations under the state's Law Against Discrimination, as the conduct did not meet the threshold for interference with protected rights. The complaints, initiated on January 17, 2023, alleged that the banners intimidated residents based on race, but the court found insufficient evidence of direct harm or unprotected speech. Formella's office appealed the dismissal, which was upheld after denial of reconsideration, leading to review by the . On January 10, 2025, the Supreme Court affirmed the dismissal in Attorney General v. Hood, holding that the prosecution violated the First Amendment by attempting to penalize expressive conduct that, while offensive, constituted protected political speech rather than true threats, , or discriminatory interference actionable under state law. The court's reasoning drew on precedents emphasizing viewpoint neutrality and the high bar for restricting speech, noting that the Civil Rights Act's application here risked chilling core political expression absent evidence of imminent harm, as the banners were temporary displays on public overpasses without targeting specific individuals. A separate civil filed by Formella's office on December 13, 2023, against NSC-131 and Hood for additional alleged discriminatory acts remains ongoing, with a judge denying the defendants' motion to dismiss on October 3, 2024, allowing the case to proceed based on claims of broader patterns of interference. The of filed an amicus brief in the appealed banner case, arguing against viewpoint discrimination and reinforcing First Amendment limits on civil enforcement against ideological displays.

Controversies and criticisms

Debates over free speech in hate group prosecutions

Formella's office pursued civil enforcement actions against NSC-131 under New Hampshire's , arguing that the group's activities, such as trespassing onto highway overpasses to hang banners proclaiming "Keep White" in on February 19, 2023, constituted interfering with public accommodations and protected rights. Prosecutors contended these acts went beyond protected expression by involving physical intrusions that disrupted public use of spaces like bridges, which are maintained for vehicular and pedestrian access rather than expressive purposes. In a December 13, 2023, complaint, the Attorney General alleged that NSC-131 members, including leader Christopher Hood, violated anti-discrimination laws during disruptions of a drag story hour event in Concord, where approximately 19 participants entered a and chanted slogans to intimidate attendees based on perceived . Critics, including the ACLU of New Hampshire, challenged these prosecutions as infringing on First Amendment rights, asserting that the complaints selectively targeted NSC-131's viewpoints while ignoring similar trespasses by groups with differing ideologies, such as pro-Palestinian protesters blocking highways without civil rights charges. In a May 9, 2024, amicus brief to the , the ACLU argued that the state's actions risked viewpoint discrimination, emphasizing that even abhorrent speech like NSC-131's racial supremacist messaging remains protected absent direct threats to specific individuals or true threats under established precedents like (2003). Formella responded on May 10, 2024, expressing disappointment that the ACLU would defend "an organized hate group," maintaining that the office targeted illegal conduct, not ideas, to safeguard communities from intimidation. Courts largely sided with free speech defenses, with Rockingham County Judge David Ruoff dismissing the banner case on June 6, 2023, ruling that the brief placement and removal of the banner did not substantially interfere with public accommodation rights and was shielded expression on . The affirmed this on January 10, 2025, holding that Formella's office misapplied the by extending it to punish expressive conduct without evidence of discriminatory intent to deny access based on protected characteristics, thereby violating constitutional speech protections. Some conservative commentators echoed concerns of , warning that civil rights laws could be wielded to suppress unpopular dissent by equating ideological expression with "hate" absent clear criminality, potentially chilling broader political advocacy in a state with strong libertarian traditions.

Responses to Youth Development Center scandal

YDC abuse survivors criticized Formella's oversight of the settlement fund established to compensate victims of physical and at the former Sununu Youth Services Center, arguing that legislative changes enacted in 2025 undermined victim compensation by granting the Attorney General veto authority over proposed payouts. In a letter dated September 4, 2025, to the Executive Council, multiple survivors, including Natasha Maunsell, urged rejection of Formella's reconfirmation as , claiming his actions prioritized state interests over victims and delayed justice through vetoes of settlements approved by the fund's former administrator, John Broderick. A Valley News on September 5, 2025, echoed these concerns, accusing Formella of an "about-face" on victim settlements that betrayed survivors and raised questions about his to political allies over empirical accountability in fund management. The critique highlighted perceived inconsistencies in Formella's shift from supporting initial fund operations to advocating reforms that survivors viewed as obstructive, potentially leaving over 1,500 claimants in limbo amid ongoing litigation. Formella's office defended the adjustments as necessary to prioritize direct victim compensation over excessive attorney fees, citing data from a May 2025 state audit that, while finding no systemic mismanagement, aligned with prior concerns about Broderick's practice of disbursing lawyer payments upfront—sometimes exceeding victim awards—before full claim validation. By October 2025, Formella had rejected approximately 20% of Broderick-approved settlements, justifying vetoes based on evidentiary reviews to prevent premature payouts that could deplete the fund's estimated $150 million balance without ensuring abuse claims met causal thresholds established in over 1,200 verified allegations. These reforms, supported by Republican lawmakers including incoming Governor , aimed to enforce stricter fiduciary controls amid evidence that early fee structures risked diverting resources from victims, though a federal challenging the changes as unconstitutional interference was pending as of September 22, 2025.

Other political and policy critiques

Critics from organizations such as the ACLU of have argued that Formella's defense of state election laws, including requirements for documentary proof of U.S. during enacted via Bill 243 in 2024, constitutes an unnecessary restriction that could disenfranchise eligible voters without addressing verifiable widespread fraud. These claims, advanced in federal lawsuits filed on September 30, 2024, by groups including the League of Women Voters, assert the law imposes undue burdens on naturalized citizens and young voters lacking easy access to documents like birth certificates, potentially violating equal protection and under the U.S. . However, empirical data on voter fraud in remains limited to isolated incidents, such as the 2016 conviction of a non-citizen for illegal voting, supporting Formella's position that such safeguards uphold without of mass suppression. Formella has faced policy critiques from environmental advocates for leading or joining Republican-led multistate coalitions opposing federal regulations on -related disclosures and emissions, including a successful April 2024 challenge to the SEC's reporting mandate alongside 25 other attorneys general, which they argue shields corporations from accountability for environmental impacts. Similarly, in May 2024, under Formella petitioned the U.S. to curtail state lawsuits against companies for damages, contending such actions represent judicial overreach into interstate commerce rather than genuine environmental enforcement. Opponents, including progressive outlets, view these efforts as prioritizing interests inherited from Formella's prior role as counsel to pro-development Governor , potentially delaying transparency on emissions contributing to events like 's record floods in July 2023. Formella's counters that the SEC rule exceeded statutory authority under the National Securities Markets Improvement Act and lacked cost-benefit justification, aligning with judicial precedents limiting agency rulemaking. Some conservative commentators have critiqued Formella for perceived inconsistencies in rigor, such as the lack of action by November 2023 on complaints regarding Democratic campaign mailers during the congressional primary that allegedly violated state election laws by promoting candidates without proper disclaimers. This has fueled accusations of selective , contrasting his proactive defenses of Republican-aligned policies, though no formal investigations confirmed widespread violations, and Formella's office emphasized resource prioritization toward higher-impact threats like litigation.

Reconfirmation and ongoing role

Second term confirmation process

Governor Kelly Ayotte nominated John Formella for a second four-year term as New Hampshire Attorney General on August 26, 2025, following his initial holdover status after Ayotte's inauguration earlier in the year. The nomination aligned with New Hampshire's constitutional process, where the governor selects the attorney general subject to confirmation by the five-member Executive Council, which holds public hearings and votes on appointees to ensure accountability in executive nominations. The Executive Council held a confirmation hearing prior to the vote, during which survivors of abuse at the state's Youth Development Center testified in opposition, criticizing Formella's office for delays and perceived inadequacies in prosecuting institutional abuse cases. Despite this testimony, the approved the nomination on September 17, 2025, in a 4-0 vote, with Democratic Councilor Karen Liot Hill recusing herself due to unrelated personal circumstances under investigation. The unanimous approval among voting members reflected broad Republican support on the , which at the time held a 4-1 , underscoring the low threshold for in a politically aligned body. Post-confirmation, the Republican Attorneys General Association praised the outcome, highlighting Formella's record on issues like election integrity and civil rights enforcement as reasons for endorsing continuity in leadership to maintain prosecutorial momentum. Ayotte issued a statement congratulating Formella, emphasizing his prior achievements in and public safety as justifying the renomination and swift reconfirmation. The process concluded without legal challenges, affirming Formella's role through at least 2029 amid a Republican-controlled executive branch.

Recent developments and future priorities

In the weeks following his unanimous confirmation by the Executive Council on September 17, 2025, for a second four-year term as , John Formella's office has pursued ongoing enforcement actions aimed at enhancing public safety and combating fraud. On October 15, 2025, the Department of Justice announced the sentencing of Fawn Gobis, a 60-year-old from , for a 14-month fraud scheme involving over $100,000 in false claims. This followed an investigation linking her actions to broader efforts to safeguard public funds and healthcare integrity. Similarly, on October 20, 2025, the office reported the arrest of Grace Gato of Hudson for a class A count of wrongful voting, underscoring continued vigilance in election-related enforcement. Consumer protection initiatives have advanced through multistate collaborations, with securing a settlement on October 23, 2025, against TFG Holding, Inc., an online retailer, mandating cessation of deceptive marketing practices that misled consumers on product authenticity and pricing. The state also received an initial $7,960,660.29 payment from the Company's public water systems PFAS settlement, allocated toward remediation efforts tied to environmental and health risks. On October 26, 2025, Formella's office joined a U.S. protection collaborative to address threats, reflecting a forward emphasis on digital consumer safeguards. Looking ahead, Formella has emphasized sustaining New Hampshire's status as the nation's safest state through accountability for offenders and victim protections, as articulated in post-confirmation statements aligned with Kelly Ayotte's administration goals. His role as 2025 president of the National Association of Attorneys General prioritizes combating and drug trafficking, building on opioid litigation recoveries exceeding $50 billion nationwide to support state-level interdiction and treatment programs. These efforts link causally to prior achievements in fraud reduction and enforcement, with the office requesting $4.3 million in additional 2026 budget funding on October 20, 2025, to sustain litigation capacity across key areas.

References

  1. https://www.naag.org/attorney-general/john-formella/
  2. https://www.doj.nh.gov/resources/press-releases
  3. https://www.wmur.com/article/nh-ag-john-formella-confirmed-for-another-term/66888577
  4. https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/governor-ayotte-congratulates-attorney-general-formella-confirmation-second-term
  5. https://republicanags.com/2025/09/17/raga-congratulates-new-hampshire-attorney-general-john-formella-on-unanimous-confirmation-to-a-second-term/
  6. https://www.troutman.com/insights/new-ag-on-the-block-new-hampshire-attorney-general-john-formella/
  7. https://read.nhbr.com/nh-business-review/2022/07/15/?article=3996683
  8. https://www.naag.org/press-releases/new-hampshire-attorney-general-john-formella-elected-as-president-of-national-association-of-attorneys-general/
  9. https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/attorney-general-formella-announces-victory-antitrust-case-against-google-over
  10. https://nh.gop/attorney-general-john-formella-to-receive-the-governor-meldrim-thomson-jr-principle-above-politics-award-at-annual-amos-tuck-dinner/
  11. https://gwtoday.gwu.edu/gw-alum-elected-president-national-association-attorneys-general
  12. https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2025-05-20/report-finds-no-problems-with-management-of-states-ydc-victim-settlement-fund
  13. https://www.unionleader.com/news/politics/state/ydc-victim-lawyers-ag-bullying-their-clients-and-vetoed-20-of-damage-awards/article_797a2a95-a260-4817-8fa1-5e7b07c84cc5.html
  14. https://www.troutman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Transcript_RO_Balancing_Law_and_Public_Service.pdf
  15. https://geiselmed.dartmouth.edu/news/2020/nancy-formella-former-geisel-associate-professor-and-president-of-mary-hitchcock-memorial-hospital-dies/
  16. https://www.stockbridgefh.com/obituary/nancy-formella
  17. https://vnews.com/2021/03/24/formella-confirmed-as-new-hampshire-s-next-attorney-general-39627913/
  18. https://attorneys.lexinter.net/lawyers/john-m-formella
  19. https://ballotpedia.org/John_Formella
  20. https://indepthnh.org/2021/03/02/sununu-to-nominate-john-formella-as-attorney-general/
  21. https://www.wmur.com/article/sununu-to-nominate-his-legal-counsel-john-formella-to-succeed-macdonald-as-nh-attorney-general/35696949
  22. https://www.unionleader.com/news/politics/state/sununu-nominates-his-lawyer-to-become-ag/article_a36fa124-4389-50ac-91f3-35b4e64f9266.html
  23. https://www.fosters.com/story/news/2017/11/05/portsmouth-man-serves-as-gov-sununus-legal-counsel/17284688007/
  24. https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2021-03-17/after-years-behind-the-scenes-formella-hopes-for-bigger-stage-as-n-h-s-attorney-general
  25. https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/local/portsmouth-herald/2017/11/05/helping-shape-policies-nh/17284715007/
  26. https://www.nhpr.org/politics/2017-12-19/not-everyones-on-board-with-sununus-decision-to-opt-out-of-federal-first-responders-network
  27. https://www.govtech.com/public-safety/New-Hampshire-Is-First-State-to-Opt-Out-of-FirstNet.html
  28. https://www.nhada.com/blog/john-formella-confirmed-as-nh-attorney-general
  29. https://www.doj.nh.gov/about-us/attorney-general
  30. https://www.wmur.com/article/attorney-general-john-formella-homicide-81423/44812396
  31. https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/22/us/adam-montgomery-guilty-second-degree-murder-child-death
  32. https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/statement-sentence-handed-down-montgomery-murder-case
  33. https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/hassan-sapry-sentenced-2019-laconia-murder-and-related-crimes
  34. https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/governor-kelly-ayotte-and-attorney-general-john-formella-announce-expansion-cold
  35. https://abcnews.go.com/US/decades-new-hampshire-cold-case-murder-solved-genetic/story?id=101525486
  36. https://manchester.inklink.news/nh-ags-office-releases-identity-of-final-bear-brook-murder-victim/
  37. https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/attorney-general-formella-announces-civil-rights-unit-enforcement-action-against-nsc
  38. https://www.doj.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt721/files/inline-documents/20231213-nationalist-social-club.pdf
  39. https://www.doj.nh.gov/bureaus/civil-rights-unit
  40. https://newhampshirebulletin.com/briefs/citing-surge-in-complaints-new-hampshire-expands-its-civil-rights-unit/
  41. https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/aclu-voting-rights-groups-and-voters-file-federal-lawsuit-challenging-unconstitutional-new-hampshire-voting-law
  42. https://www.sos.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt561/files/inline-documents/sonh/hb-1569-memorandum-11.08.24.pdf
  43. https://legiscan.com/NH/text/HB1569/id/2970373
  44. https://assets.aclu.org/live/uploads/2024/09/Motion-to-Dismiss-Complaint.pdf
  45. https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/new-hampshire/nhdce/1:2024cv00312/64217/93/
  46. https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/non-us-citizen-arrested-wrongful-voting-new-hampshire
  47. https://www.facebook.com/INFONH/posts/hudson-woman-faces-wrongful-voting-charge-attorney-general-john-m-formella-annou/1403745395085111/
  48. https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/10-individuals-indicted-allegations-abuse-youth-development-center
  49. https://www.doj.nh.gov/resources/press-releases/update-investigation-youth-development-center-0
  50. https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2025-01-27/former-ydc-employee-sentenced-to-decades-in-prison
  51. https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2022/05/10/attorney-general-defends-ydc-settlement-fund-says-state-committed-to-doing-the-right-thing/
  52. https://www.nhpr.org/2024-07-24/settlement-fund-payouts-for-ydc-abuse-now-top-95-million
  53. https://www.ydcclaims.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt701/files/inline-documents/sonh/ydc-claims-administration_2025-quarter-1-report.pdf
  54. https://www.wmur.com/article/billions-requested-ydc-settlement-fund-claimants/68157031
  55. https://ledgertranscript.com/2025/09/22/new-hampshire-settlement-fund-changes-upheld/
  56. https://www.wbur.org/news/2023/06/07/white-supremacist-new-hampshire-civil-rights-judge-dismiss
  57. https://freespeechproject.georgetown.edu/tracker-entries/new-hampshire-supreme-court-dismisses-lawsuit-against-white-nationalist-group-responsible-for-hanging-keep-new-england-white-banners/
  58. https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2023-06-16/state-appeals-dismissal-of-civil-rights-case-against-regional-white-supremacist-group
  59. https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/01/10/metro/white-supremacist-banner-prosecution-unconstitutional/
  60. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2025-01/2025003hood.pdf
  61. https://indepthnh.org/2025/01/10/nh-supreme-court-rules-ag-violated-neo-nazis-free-speech/
  62. https://indepthnh.org/2024/10/03/judge-denies-motion-to-dismiss-civil-rights-complaint-against-neo-nazi-group/
  63. https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2023-12-13/new-hampshire-attorney-general-files-second-complaint-against-white-nationalist-group
  64. https://www.aclu-nh.org/cases/formella-v-christopher-hood/
  65. https://indepthnh.org/2024/05/09/aclu-nh-files-brief-backing-free-speech-for-white-supremacist-group/
  66. https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2025-01-10/nh-supreme-court-sides-with-white-supremacist-group-over-highway-banner-in-portsmouth
  67. https://apnews.com/article/white-nationalist-new-hampshire-trespass-5a3b7869ae9b9cdb9b5b4e06d07b9926
  68. https://www.aclu-nh.org/press-releases/aclu-nh-and-aclu-submit-amicus-brief-nh-supreme-court-viewpoint-discrimination/
  69. https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/attorney-general-formella-statement-aclu-amicus-brief-new-hampshire-supreme-court
  70. https://www.unionleader.com/news/courts/first-amendment-concerns-raised-in-racist-banner-case/article_5f8f4066-0e3e-11ef-9ab5-7bd43a09aaea.html
  71. https://indepthnh.org/2025/09/04/ydc-abuse-survivors-oppose-formellas-reappointment/
  72. https://www.eagletribune.com/news/new_hampshire/formella-under-fire-ydc-abuse-survivors-oppose-ag-reappointment/article_4b499787-a202-4e5b-a7a6-3ee353a6f194.html
  73. https://vnews.com/2025/09/05/ayotte-formella-settlement-fund-change/
  74. https://www.wmur.com/article/nh-ag-ydc-bullying-blocking-settlement-claims/68499286
  75. https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/2025/05/23/report-finds-no-problems-with-management-of-states-ydc-victim-settlement-fund/83789242007/
  76. https://indepthnh.org/2025/10/02/as-ag-formella-rejects-ydc-settlements-state-objects-to-disclosing-possible-judicial-bias/
  77. https://www.aclu-nh.org/app/uploads/2024/09/complaint_4.pdf
  78. https://www.democracydocket.com/cases/new-hampshire-citizenship-requirement-challenge-coalition-for-open-democracy/
  79. https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/attorney-general-formella-ag-coalition-shuts-down-sec-climate-mandate-businesses
  80. https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2024-05-28/nh-asks-us-supreme-court-to-block-lawsuits-against-fossil-fuel-companies
  81. https://indepthnh.org/2025/04/09/op-ed-climate-accountability-is-a-public-safety-priority/
  82. https://nhjournal.com/formella-touts-victory-over-sec-greenhouse-gas-emissions/
  83. https://nhjournal.com/a-year-later-no-action-from-ag-formella-on-dems-illegal-mailers/
  84. https://www.doj.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt721/files/inline-documents/sonh/january-june-2025-election-law-complaint-status-report.pdf
  85. https://newhampshirebulletin.com/briefs/ayotte-nominates-formella-as-nh-attorney-general-brian-gould-for-the-state-supreme-court/
  86. https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/governor-ayotte-announces-nominations-attorney-general-and-supreme-court
  87. https://indepthnh.org/2025/09/17/gould-confirmed-to-nh-supreme-court-formella-as-attorney-general/
  88. https://vnews.com/2025/09/12/nh-attorney-general-formella-confirmation/
  89. https://nhjournal.com/dem-liot-hill-still-under-investigation-to-skip-ag-confirmation-vote/
  90. https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2025-09-17/gould-confirmed-nh-supreme-court-attorney-general-formella-approved-for-another-term
  91. https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/settlement-secured-requiring-online-retailer-end-deceptive-practices
  92. https://x.com/nh_doj
  93. https://www.eagletribune.com/news/minutes/nh-joins-us-privacy-protection-collaborative/article_a898c74b-c4e2-450d-92b6-e837bcdd7cad.html
  94. https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2025/10/20/ag-requests-4-3-million-in-additional-state-funding-for-litigation-including-ydc-abuse-cases/
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