Dover, NH

Dover, New Hampshire, has a Cook PVI of D+2, which tells you it leans slightly Democratic, but honestly, that number doesn't capture the full picture of what's been happening here. It used to be a place where folks were mostly live-and-let-live, fiscally conservative but socially moderate, and you could count on your neighbors to mind their own business. Over the last decade or so, though, the political climate has shifted noticeably toward progressive activism, especially among the newer residents moving up from Massachusetts and other parts of New England. The city council and school board have seen a steady push for policies that feel less about common sense and more about top-down social engineering, which has a lot of long-time locals worried about where things are headed.

How it compares

If you drive just a few miles outside of Dover, the contrast is stark. Head west to Rochester or north to Somersworth, and you'll find communities that still vote reliably red, with a strong independent streak and a healthy skepticism of government overreach. Even in Strafford County as a whole, Dover stands out as the progressive hub, while surrounding towns like Barrington, Farmington, and Milton tend to lean conservative. The difference isn't just in voting patterns—it's in the culture. In those towns, people are more likely to push back on things like mask mandates, zoning restrictions, and school curriculum changes that feel like they're coming from outside. Dover, by contrast, has become a place where the city council is more willing to experiment with progressive policies, from housing density mandates to climate action plans that add layers of bureaucracy to everyday life. It's a real shift from the old days when Dover was just a quiet mill town where people kept their politics to themselves.

What this means for residents

For someone who values personal freedom and minimal government interference, living in Dover today means keeping a closer eye on local meetings than you used to. The school board has become a battleground over curriculum content and library books, with some parents feeling like their voices are drowned out by activist groups pushing a more ideological agenda. Property taxes have also crept up as the city funds new initiatives that aren't always popular—like expanded diversity programs or bike lane projects that few people use. The housing market is tight, and some of the new development policies feel like they're designed to favor certain developers over long-time residents. If you're the type who just wants to be left alone to raise your family and run your business, you'll find yourself having to speak up more often to protect that way of life. It's not impossible, but it's definitely more work than it was twenty years ago.

One of the more telling cultural shifts is how the city handles public events and public spaces. Dover used to have a pretty relaxed approach to things like holiday parades and farmers markets, but now there's more emphasis on making sure every event checks certain ideological boxes. The push for "inclusivity" sometimes feels like it comes at the expense of the simple, community-focused traditions that brought people together in the first place. The city's zoning board has also become more aggressive about enforcing new regulations on everything from short-term rentals to home-based businesses, which can feel like a direct hit on personal property rights. If the current trajectory holds, Dover could become a place where progressive policies are the norm, and those who disagree will find themselves increasingly on the outside looking in. It's not there yet, but the trend is clear, and it's worth paying attention to if you're considering a move here.