A familiar figure in Democratic politics is heading back to one of the party’s most symbolic battlegrounds — but not to launch another campaign.
According to Fox News, Hillary Clinton is set to appear in New Hampshire next month, a state long known for holding the nation’s first presidential primary.
Despite renewed attention to early-voting states ahead of 2028, Clinton has made clear that her visit is not a sign of another White House bid.
In a recent interview, the former secretary of state dismissed any speculation about a return to the campaign trail, saying she would not run again and emphasizing that Democrats have a “good bench” of future candidates.
Instead, Clinton’s trip will center on party-building efforts. She is scheduled to headline the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s annual fundraising event, the McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner, which will take place April 25 in Nashua.
State party chairman Ray Buckley praised Clinton’s decades of public service while announcing her appearance.
“Through decades of public service — as first lady, a U.S. senator, and secretary of state — Secretary Clinton has fought tirelessly for women’s rights and been a champion for economic security around the world,” Buckley said. “Her work to expand voting rights, strengthen child and family leave policies and combat global health crises has made a lasting impact both here and abroad.”
A spokesperson said Clinton is looking forward to returning to the Granite State, where she has a long political history.
But not all Democrats are enthusiastic about her reappearance.
A longtime progressive leader in New Hampshire, speaking anonymously, criticized the move.
“Although this may be a good invite to raise money for the party, it is another example of how completely tone-deaf the party is to the need for real change. As exemplary as Hillary Clinton’s conduct was with respect to the Epstein congressional subpoena, she’s yesterday’s news, hasn’t offered a new idea in decades and doesn’t serve the needs of building a new Democratic majority in New Hampshire.”
Clinton’s ties to the state run deep. She won the 2008 Democratic primary there during her closely fought contest with Barack Obama. In 2016, however, she lost the state decisively to Bernie Sanders.
Since her defeat to President Donald Trump in the 2016 general election, Clinton has made occasional visits to New Hampshire, including stops in Concord and at Dartmouth College.
Supporters argue her presence still resonates with voters and donors alike.
Lucas Meyer, a New Hampshire-based nonprofit leader and former president of the state’s Young Democrats, said many in the party still hold Clinton in high regard.
“A lot of New Hampshire Democrats have a lot of affection and love for Secretary Clinton and for her service to our country.”
Meyer added that the event is less about politics in the traditional sense and more about strengthening the party’s infrastructure ahead of future elections.
“Secretary Clinton has a pretty broad appeal, and since she’s not running, there’s a little more flexibility for her to raise money for the party and to attract donors to cut checks for the state.”
