Staff reports 10:22 a.m.
Tuesday, February 8, 2022 10:22 am

From left NH 1st district candidate Matt Mowers, NH State Representative Nicole Klein Knight and 1st District Congressman Chris Pappas(Pappas, Mowers Rochester Voice file; Klein Knight (Courtesy)

GILFORD - New Hampshire 1st District representative hopeful Matt Mowers today called on Chris Pappas to condemn fellow Manchester Democrat State Representative Nicole Klein Knight for what he called her abhorrent behavior regarding her use of the N-word while speaking with a black activist.

Klein Knight repeatedly used the racial slur when talking with the man who had just testified before a House committee. Klein Knight then called security on the young man, Mowers noted.

Pappas has yet to comment on this pressing issue regarding one of his home city's elected officials, the statement from Mowers, a Republican seeking Pappas' seat, added.

Prominent New Hampshire activists and elected officials have called for Klein Knight's resignation.

New Hampshire House Democratic leadership including Minority Leader Renny Cushing, D-Hampton, and Assistant Minority Leader David Cote, D-Nashua, requested House Speaker Sherm Packard, R-Londonderry. remove Klein Knight from her committee assignment.

BIPOC community leaders and organizers released a statement condemning Klein Knight and called on "people and organizations who are in relationship with Rep. Klein-Knight to hold her accountable for her actions against BIPOC organizers in New Hampshire."