The Ledger-Transcript sent surveys to Executive Council candidates throughout the region ahead of the Sept. 8 primary election. Here are the candidate profiles of those who responded.
District 2
Towns: Dublin, Hancock, Peterborough, Sharon
The incumbent Democrat, Karen Liot Hill, is unopposed in the primary. In November, she’ll face one of two Republican challengers: Tobin Menard of Newport or Kim Strathdee of Plymouth.
Strathdee was the Republican nominee for this seat in 2024. She did not respond to the survey.
Karen Liot Hill
Party: Democrat
Age: 48
Position Sought: Executive Council District 2 (incumbent)
Relevant Experience: Executive Councilor, District 2; 20-year Lebanon City Councilor and former Mayor; 8-year Grafton County Treasurer; former small-business owner.
Why are you running? I’ve seen during my first term that one voice asking difficult questions can make a difference. I’m running for re-election to continue bringing an independent voice, careful oversight and a commitment to public service to the Executive Council — and to make sure the people and communities of District 2 have a strong advocate in Concord.
What is your most important issue? Affordability. New Hampshire families are being squeezed by housing, childcare, groceries and rising property taxes. State government must be accountable for how it spends taxpayer dollars — and stop balancing its books by shifting costs onto cities, towns and local property taxpayers. We need good government that respects every dollar.
Tobin Menard
Party: Republican
Age: 48
Position Sought: Executive Council District 2
Relevant Experience: U.S. citizen / New Hampshire resident
Why are you running? I wish to bring small-town values and considerations directly to the executive branch of the state.
What is your most important issue? My constituents and their concerns are my most important issue. I may not always have the answers or the power to address all issues brought to my attention, but I will have the ability to find the person with the answer or connect the person with the appropriate person to help them.
District 5
Towns: Antrim, Bennington, Francestown, Greenfield, Greenville, Jaffrey, Lyndeborough, Mason, New Ipswich, Rindge, Temple, Wilton
In a rematch of 2024, incumbent Republican Dave Wheeler of Milford will face former state Sen. Melanie Levesque of Brookline.
Melanie Levesque
Party: Democrat
Age: Unlisted
Position Sought: Executive Council District 5
Relevant Experience: State Representative 6 years, State Senator 2 years, Town Trustee 10 years, Hollis Brookline School Board 3 years, Hollis Brookline Budget Committee 1 year
Why are you running? I am running because I believe that government should work for the people. All too often it is not. As an Executive Councilor I will appoint commissioners who believe in the charge of their department, have experience in the field and a history of performance without personal bias.
What is your most important issue? The rising cost of living and taxes are voters’ top concerns, alongside education, health care and housing. I will appoint commissioners who support public education and judges who uphold the requirement to fund our schools adequately. I will not refuse federal funding for projects our voters need.
Dave Wheeler
Party: Republican
Age: 67
Position Sought: Executive Council District 5 (incumbent)
Relevant Experience: 4 years state representative, 6 years state Senate, 16 years Executive Council
Why are you running? According to Consumer Affairs 2026 annual report, New Hampshire was just voted the best state to move to! NH is one of the safest places in the country to live, according to U.S. News and World report. Also, NH schools are ranked in the top five in the nation by WalletHub.
What is your most important issue? We have a lot going for us in NH: liberty, personal freedom, safety, good-paying jobs, our beautiful mountains and lakes and streams, and much more. I am asking for your vote to help keep it that way.
