In Concord, New Hampshire, the mayor’s description of Ward 5 city councilor Stacey Brown as an “agent of chaos” has sparked an impassioned defense. One dedicated neighbor, who has known Brown for a decade, points to her military service and diligent commitment to the city as evidence that she is anything but chaotic.

Graham Platner, a candidate for Maine Senate, hopes to move beyond the controversy ignited by found offensive language in his past social media posts. He attributes his remarks to the stress and influences of his military service, aiming to start his political journey on a cleaner slate.