In a dramatic turn of events, New Hampshire’s Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald has resigned with immediate effect after admitting to several breaches of judicial ethics pertaining to a $50,000 payout to a close associate. The resignation was announced on Tuesday by Governor Kelly Ayotte’s office through a succinct statement from MacDonald, emphasizing his departure as being in the best interest of the state’s judicial integrity.

MacDonald’s resignation follows a revelation by the New Hampshire Supreme Court that the Chief Justice had violated three distinct sections of the state’s Code of Judicial Conduct. This admission comes at the heels of a controversy involving Dianne Martin, a former chief of staff during MacDonald’s tenure as the state attorney general, who was briefly laid off and rehired within three days, allowing her to withdraw nearly $50,000 in accumulated leave benefits.

The circumstances of Martin's termination and swift reemployment raised questions, as it appeared to be a strategic maneuver rather than a genuine layoff, drawing criticism for seeming less like a cost-saving measure and more like a favoritism-laden financial arrangement.

The state’s Judicial Conduct Committee (JCC), a body comprising judges and lawyers, launched an inquiry following investigative reports by NHPR in October 2025. The committee found that MacDonald’s actions failed to uphold public confidence in the judiciary, demonstrated incompetence, and showed undue favoritism in Martin’s rehiring process—circumventing the usual merit-based hiring protocols.

Choosing to resign rather than face public trial, MacDonald stated his decision was to preserve the judicial branch's integrity and to avoid the disruption of a prolonged public hearing. He also agreed to cover the legal fees incurred during the committee's investigation, which subtly acts as the only punitive measure in this scenario.

As the judicial branch turns this page, Justice Patrick Donovan steps in as the acting chief justice. The upcoming nomination for MacDonald’s permanent replacement by Governor Ayotte, subject to Executive Council approval, marks her third judicial appointment, signaling a significant reshaping of the state’s high court.

The New Hampshire Supreme Court is set to resume oral arguments on September 22, under a cloud of renewed scrutiny but with a commitment to restoring public trust and accountability.