From Newsweek · · 2m
New Hampshire chief justice resigns over $50K ethics scheme
Gordon MacDonald stepped down after admitting he violated judicial conduct rules in a personnel move that benefited a longtime ally.
In brief
Gordon MacDonald stepped down after admitting he violated judicial conduct rules in a personnel move that benefited a longtime ally. MacDonald resigned rather than face a public hearing after the Judicial Conduct Committee found he violated ethics rules by orchestrating a layoff and rehire that allowed an employee to…
Chief justice resigns over ethics violations
Gordon MacDonald, 64, resigned as New Hampshire Supreme Court chief justice on Tuesday after admitting he violated the state's judicial code of conduct. His five-year tenure ended immediately following an ethics investigation.
“I believe this is in the best interests of the New Hampshire Judicial Branch.”
The $50K personnel scheme
MacDonald orchestrated the layoff and rehiring of Dianne Martin, a longtime employee, within 48 hours. The brief gap allowed her to collect nearly $50,000 in unused sick and vacation benefits.
Whistleblower exposed the arrangement
New Hampshire Public Radio first reported the scheme in October 2025 after a whistleblower alleged MacDonald had orchestrated the payout. The Judicial Conduct Committee opened its inquiry the following month.
Committee found three violations
The Judicial Conduct Committee determined MacDonald failed to promote public confidence in the judiciary, failed to perform his duties competently, and showed favoritism in Martin's removal. The committee said his removal from the bench was essential to maintain constitutional principles.
“The certainty that he would no longer hold a position of public trust was of paramount concern to the JCC.”
No criminal charges, but poor practices
A review by the New Hampshire attorney general's office found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing but concluded the personnel moves did not follow human resources best practices. The Supreme Court initially defended the changes as standard policy.
Governor Ayotte expresses disappointment
Governor Kelly Ayotte said she was extremely disappointed by MacDonald's violations and confirmed she received his resignation. She emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust in the Judicial Branch.
“It is essential that the Judicial Branch maintain the public's trust in its mission to impartially adjudicate matters.”
Rare resignation among state justices
Resignations by sitting state supreme court chief justices over admitted ethics violations remain unusual. In 2023, Colorado's former chief justice was censured for approving a contract with a falsifying employee, but did not resign.
MacDonald's background and appointment
MacDonald was appointed chief justice in 2021 by then-Governor Chris Sununu after serving four years as state attorney general. He attended Dartmouth College and received his law degree from Cornell University.
In short
MacDonald resigned rather than face a public hearing after the Judicial Conduct Committee found he violated ethics rules by orchestrating a layoff and rehire that allowed an employee to collect nearly $50,000 in unused benefits.
