Copyright Joliet, IL Patch
The Concord Republican will finish off the term, capping off five decades of public service to the city, the county, and the country. CONCORD, NH — Merrimack County’s Attorney has decided not to seek reelection in 2026. Paul Halvorsen said Thursday he had decided after “several months” of thinking about his 50 years in public service not to run again. With that milestone approaching, he realized it was time to step aside. Halvorsen said he had been waiting to make the decision public, although he admitted preparing to retire had been known by his immediate family and “a few close and dear, longtime friends.” Halvorsen called the decision difficult since the position was “one of the best jobs I’ve ever held.” He announced the impending departure to the county team Thursday. “The prosecution and support team in this office is phenomenal, and they always serve the victims of crime, witnesses, law enforcement, and the residents of Merrimack County in the pursuit of justice,” he said. “The support provided to my office by law enforcement, county staff, the board of commissioners, and our county delegation has allowed this office to thrive, and I thank them all.” Halvorsen ran for the open seat in 2018 but lost by about 2,500 votes to Democrat Robin Davis, a defense attorney who won the nomination on a write-in campaign. He ran again in 2020, after several missteps by Davis — including a hostile work lawsuit and several rape victims accusing her of not taking their cases seriously. Halvorsen was unopposed in 2022 and 2024. A former Air Force officer, Halvorsen worked in the DEA and Customs drug interdiction program for more than seven years, leading a team of nearly 200 people. He served the USAF for about two decades, while also serving stints with the military police and the state police in New Jersey. While working for the Air Force, he also earned a master's degree in public administration and forensic science. Later, after moving to Concord, he pursued a law degree. Halvorsen was a city prosecutor in Concord from 2003 to 2021, primarily handling juvenile cases. Halvorsen said, whoever wins the election next year, he will be there to help a smooth transition. “I look forward to continuing my service to Merrimack County until the end of my term and to welcoming a new county attorney in January of 2027,” he said. Do you have a news tip? Please email it to tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos on Tony Schinella's YouTube or Rumble channels. Patch in New Hampshire is now in 190 communities. Also, follow Patch on Google Discover.
