The Ledger-Transcript sent surveys to state Senate candidates throughout the region ahead of the Sept. 8 primary election. Here are the candidate profiles of those who responded.
In District 10, incumbent Sen. Donovan Fenton, a Keene Democrat, is running unopposed. The district includes Dublin, Hancock and Peterborough. Fenton did not respond to the survey.
District 8
Towns: Antrim, Bennington, Francestown
State Sen. Ruth Ward, a Republican, is retiring after 10 years in the Legislature. Two candidates are vying to fill the seat: state Rep. Jim Creighton, a Republican from Antrim, and Democrat David Trumble of Weare.
Jim Creighton
Party: Republican
Age: 65
Position Sought: State Senate District 8
Relevant Experience: Three-term state representative currently representing Antrim and Hillsborough, Retired U.S. Army Colonial, Supervisor of the Checklist in Antrim, works with the Crotched Mountain Ski Patrol, volunteers with the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lions Club and various local youth programs.
Why are you running? My life has always been about service to my community — as a member of the U.S. Army, as a state representative and as a local volunteer. I want to bring my experience and drive to help my neighbors to the state Senate where I can do the most good.
What is your most important issue? Granite Staters are feeling the pressures and frustrations of rising costs. We need to stop the ever-increasing local property taxes, greenlight more energy production to lower electric bills and stop politicians from creating new taxes — especially an income tax. Anything to keep more money in your pocket.
David Trumble
Party: Democrat
Age: 68
Position Sought: State Senate District 8
Relevant Experience: Organic farmer 40 years, college debate coach 47 years, public interest lawyer.
Why are you running? My wife and I built our home and farm in Weare 30 years ago. Our two children went to the public schools. To call New Hampshire their home, today’s young people will need strong public schools, affordable housing, healthcare for everyone including mental healthcare, affordable childcare and a healthy environment.
What is your most important issue? The State of New Hampshire pays only 25% of the cost of public schools. The national average is about 50%. The state has a constitutional duty to fund the public schools. If the state did so, every child would receive a good education, and towns would have property tax relief.
District 9
Towns: Greenfield, Jaffrey, Lyndeborough, Sharon, Temple
In District 9, voters will see a familiar matchup. Democrat Matt McLaughlin seeks for a third time to unseat incumbent Republican Sen. Denise Ricciardi. Both are from Bedford.
Matt McLaughlin
Party: Democrat
Age: 67
Position Sought: State Senate District 9
Relevant Experience: Military (Navy fighter pilot); Town – member of the Bedford Energy Commission
Why are you running? The federal government is on the wrong track—and picking up speed every day. Sadly, our state government is following. Tax policies favor the wealthy, education policies threaten our public schools, and there’s no serious plan for renewable energy or climate change. New Hampshire deserves better.
What is your most important issue? My top four priorities are simple: lower property taxes by ending the state’s practice of shifting costs to local taxpayers; strengthen public education and end the school voucher program; confront climate change; and invest in renewable energy to build a cleaner, more affordable, and sustainable future for New Hampshire.
Denise Ricciardi
Party: Republican
Age: 65
Position Sought: State Senate District 9 (incumbent)
Relevant Experience: Previous town councilor in Bedford & three-term state senator
Why are you running? Public service is an honor — especially solving problems. An income tax, sales tax or proposed state homeowner tax on top of local property taxes isn’t affordable. I’ll expand my legislation, which doubled funding for towns to lower property taxes. My top priority: lower property taxes and no income tax.
What is your most important issue? Affordability: Lower property taxes through more state funding for schools and towns without income taxes. My legislation lowers health care costs by improving access to prescription discounts and timely medical care. Lower energy costs through ‘all of the above’ energy strategy not ‘green new deal’ none of the above plans.
District 11
Towns: Wilton
Former state Sen. Shannon Chandley, a Democrat from Amherst, is making a comeback bid after losing her seat to Merrimack Republican Tim McGough in 2024.
Shannon Chandley
Party: Democrat
Age: 63
Position Sought: State Senate District 11
Relevant Experience: Previous state senator and state representative
Why are you running? I am running to serve the people of the district and to find solutions to the challenges facing Granite Staters. We must address the cost of living, the housing crisis, lower property taxes, protect public education, strengthen our democracy and build a community where every family can thrive.
What is your most important issue? My priority as a senator will be to address the needs and concerns of my constituents. I will work to lower costs, to lower property taxes, to protect our environment and drinking water, to defend public education and to build vibrant, safe and strong communities.
Tim McGough
Party: Republican
Age: 56
Position Sought: State Senate District 11 (incumbent)
Relevant Experience: I’ve lived in this district for 35 years and bring more than three decades of real-world work experience in New Hampshire. I served three terms in the NH House and one in the Senate, chair the NH Canadian Trade Council and the NH Vital Records Bureau, and am a biomedical engineer, inventor, healthcare entrepreneur and longtime paramedic.
Why are you running? I’m running to be an independent, outspoken voice for the people who too often get ignored. I’m not afraid to challenge the establishment, take on powerful interests or fight for the little guy. New Hampshire needs practical leadership focused on affordability, opportunity and results—not political games.
What is your most important issue? Lowering property taxes and the costs of living in NH. Preventing a state sales or income tax and keeping New Hampshire affordable for every worker, family and senior. That means lowering the pressure from housing, energy, food and healthcare costs while protecting access to high-quality care and demanding greater transparency, competition and value.
District 12
Towns: Greenville, Mason, New Ipswich, Rindge
Republican Sen. Kevin Avard of Nashua seeks his sixth term in the Senate. He’ll face Democratic challenger Carryl Roy, who lives in Hollis. Roy did not respond to the survey.
Kevin Avard
Party: Republican
Age: 63
Position Sought: State Senate District 12 (incumbent)
Relevant Experience: Five-term incumbent state senator, owns and operates a small
cleaning business, former state representative, former city councilor.
Why are you running? I know what it’s like when times are tough. Growing up, my family didn’t have a lot. My community has given me so much I am proud to give back so that the next generation of children have the same opportunities to build themselves up that I did.
What is your most important issue? We are all struggling right now just to pay
our bills and buy groceries. I don’t want to play the blame game. I want to find real solutions for you and your family. I want to lower property taxes, stop an income tax and work to lower your electric bills.
