The Guardian

New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner wields significant, largely unchecked power as the "Guardian" of the state’s "First in the Nation" presidential primary. By leveraging state law to maintain New Hampshire’s position at the front of the nominating calendar, Gardner has shaped presidential politics for over four decades. His tenure is defined by a rigid commitment to traditional election procedures, often manifesting in resistance to modern practices like ballot selfies and a lack of administrative transparency. This approach has drawn scrutiny, particularly regarding his participation in the Trump administration's Voter Fraud Commission, which alienated many Democrats and nearly resulted in his removal from office. Despite these controversies, Gardner’s influence persists, sustained by his deep-rooted relationships with state lawmakers and his singular focus on preserving the primary’s status, regardless of the political cost or public criticism.