New Jersey Senator Cory Booker leans in to hug Bette Lasky after being introduced to a crowd at the Lasky home in Nashua, New Hampshire, on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. The Lasky's have hosted full houses for many Democratic candidates over the years including then-Senator Barack Obama before he gained traction in his first presidential campaign.
×NH Political House Parties
In addition to school gymnasiums, public parks, and conference centers, presidential primary campaign events in New Hampshire often take place in private homes. It's a particular tradition that lets voters scrutinize a candidate up-close before shaking their hand and taking a photo. Cash-strapped campaigns use them to connect with curious voters, shape their message, and hopefully gain momentum.
More than 125 house parties took place in the Granite State during the 2020 primary cycle. From fire-code-breaking crowds to intimate dining room table chats, a custom that often feels more like a family reunion has kept retail politics alive in the Granite State.
Sadie, the home owner's dog, walks by as Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Senator Elizabeth Warren speaks to voters at a house party in Amherst, New Hampshire, U.S., April 20, 2019.
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The words "Elizabeth! #winwithwarren" are seen on a chalkboard at the home of Ron and Meredith Abramson before the start of an outdoor house party campaign event for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) at the Abramson home in Bow, N.H., on Saturday, July 27, 2019.
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Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) holds up two pages of notes listing all the notable guests to acknowledge at a house party at the home of Bette and Elliott Lasky in Nashua, N.H., on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019. Current and former state government officials who could be potential candidate endorsers are common guests at New Hampshire house parties.
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Corinne Dodge of Derry, N.H., asks Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) a question during a house party at the home of Gray and Tara Chynoweth in Manchester, N.H., on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019.
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U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) takes a photo with a voter at a house party in Concord, New Hampshire, U.S., December 8, 2018.
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Democratic presidential candidate and former governor of Colorado John Hickenlooper plays a newly-purchased banjo following a campaign event at the home of former New Hampshire state representative Philip Spagnuolo in Laconia, N.H., on July 17, 2019.
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People listen as Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Senator Elizabeth Warren speaks to voters at a house party in Amherst, New Hampshire, U.S., April 20, 2019.
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A sign points guests upstairs to stash their coats during a house party with Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Deval Patrick in Concord, New Hampshire, U.S., January 5, 2020.
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Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Michael Bennet writes a note in a book during a house party in Merrimack, New Hampshire, U.S., February 1, 2020.
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As children run around the yard, Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks from the porch during a house party hosted by Carlos Cardona at the Cardona-Swain home in Laconia, N.H., on May 27, 2019. Cardona has hosted more than a dozen candidates, some outside, at his home this presidential primary cycle.
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Democratic presidential candidate Joe Sestak, former Navy admiral and congressman from Pennsylvania, at a house party hosted by Carlos Cardona at Cardona's home in Laconia, N.H., on Oct. 12, 2019.
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Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) speaks during a house party in Laconia, N.H., on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019.
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An arrangement of chairs is seen at the conclusion of a house party for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders at the Cardona-Swain home in Laconia, N.H., on May 27, 2019. Carlos Cardona has hosted more than a dozen candidates, some outside, at his home this presidential primary cycle.
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