New Hampshire judiciary faces scrutiny over no-bid contract with Republican operative

The New Hampshire Judicial Branch hired Republican operative Mike Karoutas under a contract that was not publicly bid or publicly announced, according to a New England Public Media investigation published July 1, 2026.

The report also said the judiciary has argued that it is not subject to the same transparency requirements that govern many other state and local government bodies. That position places the arrangement at the center of questions about how New Hampshire’s courts disclose and procure services using public funds.

The Judicial Branch’s full response was not retrieved. The available material also does not show a pending legal challenge, a legislative investigation or a completed audit of the contract. As a result, the reported procurement facts should not be treated as a final finding of misconduct or illegality.