N.H. Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald resigns

Ethics finding and resignation

New Hampshire Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald resigned Tuesday after the Judicial Conduct Committee found that his handling of a longtime ally’s employment violated the state ethics code.

A state Supreme Court order said MacDonald showed favoritism and bypassed merit-based hiring practices when Dianne Martin received a new position in the Judicial Branch. Martin had served as director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, the court system’s top administrative job.

Martin was laid off April 1, 2025, and rehired April 4 as general counsel. The break in employment allowed her to receive a payout for unused sick and vacation time from her earlier position, the Concord Monitor reported.

The conduct committee concluded that MacDonald failed to promote public confidence in an impartial judiciary and failed to avoid the appearance of improper conduct. It turned the matter into a formal complaint in March and released its findings Tuesday.

Settlement ends conduct case

MacDonald acknowledged the violations, did not challenge the findings and agreed to resign under a settlement with the committee. The agreement means the committee will not pursue a formal hearing.

In his resignation letter, MacDonald accepted responsibility for his conduct and said stepping down was in the Judicial Branch’s best interests. Gov. Kelly Ayotte said she had received the resignation but offered no further comment.

MacDonald had been on medical leave since July. Martin remained listed online as a state employee when the findings were released.

The Judicial Conduct Committee oversees judicial behavior but cannot remove a judge. New Hampshire judges may be removed through legislative impeachment or through joint action by the executive and legislative branches.