CONCORD, N.H. (VINnews) — A New Hampshire legislative committee heard testimony Monday over whether a state representative should face punishment, including possible censure or expulsion, after using a phrase associated with the Holocaust in a social media post directed at a fellow lawmaker.

State Rep. Travis Corcoran, a Republican from Weare, came under criticism for writing on X that there should be a “final solution for theater kids in politics” while responding to an invitation from Democratic Rep. Jessica Grill of Manchester to join a “karaoke caucus.”

The phrase, widely associated with Nazi Germany’s plan to exterminate Jews during the Holocaust, drew condemnation from Jewish leaders and several lawmakers who urged the committee to impose consequences.

Rabbi Daniel Aronson of Keene told lawmakers the comment offended not only Jews but anyone committed to civil discourse.

Grill, who is Jewish, called the remark deeply troubling and urged the committee to recommend expulsion, saying the phrase carries unmistakable historical meaning.

Corcoran told the panel the post was intended as sarcasm, not antisemitism, and said he was unaware of Grill’s Jewish background when he made the comment. He criticized the proceedings as politically motivated and defended the post as a joke being mischaracterized as hate speech.

After addressing the committee, Corcoran left the hearing before testimony concluded.

Several speakers pressed the panel to hold Corcoran accountable, arguing the Legislature must draw a clear line against rhetoric invoking genocide, regardless of intent. At least one fellow lawmaker spoke in his defense.

The committee is considering whether to recommend disciplinary action to the full House.