Full Breakdown
Gordon MacDonald Resigns as New Hampshire Supreme Court Chief Justice Amid Ethics Probe
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Immediate Resignation After Judicial Conduct Findings
Chief Justice Gordon J. MacDonald announced his resignation on Tuesday, effective immediately, after the Judicial Conduct Committee (JCC) concluded he violated three sections of the state Code of Judicial Conduct. In a resignation letter, MacDonald wrote, “I believe this is in the best interests of the New Hampshire Judicial Branch. I accept responsibility and accountability for my conduct.” “I believe this is in the best interests of the New Hampshire Judicial Branch. I accept responsibility and accountability for my conduct.” — Justice Gordon MacDonald, supreme court chief The JCC’s order, released the same day, found that MacDonald’s actions “failed to promote public confidence” and “avoided favoritism” in a personnel maneuver involving senior staffer Dianne Martin.
Background & Context
MacDonald, 64, was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2021 by then-Governor Chris Sununu after four years as the state’s attorney general. Prior to public service he practiced law and was active in state Republican politics. In April 2025, Dianne Martin—who had served as MacDonald’s chief of staff while he was attorney general—was laid off from her role as administrative director of the Judicial Branch and rehired 48 hours later as general counsel for the Office of Bar Admissions. The rapid rehiring generated a payout of nearly $50,000 for accrued vacation, sick leave, and other benefits.
New Hampshire Public Radio first reported the irregular maneuver in October 2025, prompting a whistleblower complaint. In November 2025 the 11-member Judicial Conduct Committee opened an inquiry, citing concerns about the accuracy of the Supreme Court’s public statement on the matter.
Data & Statistics
- $50,000 payout to Dianne Martin.
- 48-hour interval between layoff and rehiring.
- 11-person Judicial Conduct Committee.
- Five-member Supreme Court, with three justices appointed by Sununu and two by Governor Kelly Ayotte.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Kelly Ayotte accepted MacDonald’s resignation, emphasizing the need to preserve public trust in the judicial system. The Judicial Branch, through spokesperson David Sakowich, noted that the four associate justices have been handling the chief’s administrative duties since MacDonald’s medical leave began on July 24.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Supreme Court’s October 2025 press release described Martin’s layoff and rehiring as a “standard personnel reorganization,” a characterization the JCC later deemed inaccurate. Additionally, rumors of an affair between MacDonald and Martin surfaced in media coverage; MacDonald’s written responses to the JCC categorically denied the allegation, calling it false and damaging.
What’s Next
The Supreme Court will resume oral arguments later in September, after its summer recess. Governor Ayotte has not yet announced a timeline for nominating a successor to the chief-justice seat, leaving the vacancy open pending further action.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I believe this is in the best interests of the New Hampshire Judicial Branch. I accept responsibility and accountability for my conduct.” — Gordon J. MacDonald, chief justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court “I believe this is in the best interests of the New Hampshire Judicial Branch. I accept responsibility and accountability for my conduct.” — Justice Gordon MacDonald, supreme court chief