New Hampshire's Democratic Senate minority leader charged with domestic violence

New Hampshire state trooper car — (Image credit: iStock)

On Thursday, police arrested Jeff Woodburn, the Democratic minority leader in New Hampshire's state Senate, on charges of domestic violence and assault. State Attorney General Gordon MacDonald said in a statement that Woodburn is being accused of assaulting a female "intimate partner" by throwing a cup of water at her, biting her hand and arm, and hitting her in the stomach. Woodburn, who is up for re-election for a fourth term, said he will fight the charges. But officials in both parties — including New Hampshire Democratic Party chairman Ray Buckley, Gov. Chris Sununu (R), and Sununu's two Democratic challengers — called for him to resign immediately.

Woodburn was released on bail Thursday and is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 20 to be arraigned.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.