State Senate District 9 includes Bedford, Fitzwilliam, Greenfield, Hinsdale, Jaffrey, Lyndeborough, Mont Vernon, New Boston, Richmond, Sharon, Temple, Troy and Winchester.
Republican Denise Ricciardi, the incumbent senator, will face Democrat Matthew McLaughlin in the general election. McLaughlin did not respond to the Ledger-Transcript’s survey.
Denise Ricciardi
Party affiliation: Republican
What town/city do you live in? Bedford
Political experience: Former town councilor, 3-term member NH Senate
Professional experience: Owned an insurance consulting business specializing in coverage for seniors
Community service experience: Founded Bedford Cares, an organization that assisted homebound residents during the Covid-19 pandemic. Former member of Bedford Conservation Commission. Awarded 2026 Legislator of the Year by New England Water Works Association.
Policy Positions
Should NH legalize recreational marijuana use and possession? While I have always opposed legalization of recreational marijuana, this is an ongoing and evolving issue so I will listen to law enforcement, public health officials and other stakeholders.
What is the No. 1 action the Legislature should take to address the housing shortage? Housing is a critical issue and we need to continue to take a thoughtful approach to how we can create more housing while also preserving local control of zoning. We should continue to fund the Affordable Housing Fund and Housing Champions and remove red tape that slows down or makes it more expensive to build more homes. I believe eliminating the buyer portion of the real estate transfer tax for first-time homebuyers can also help families that are on the edge of being able to afford their first home. I have filed legislation to provide funding to small towns to assist with permitting so these towns can build workforce housing.
How involved should NH government and law enforcement be in immigration enforcement? NH should assist only when directly asked by the federal government.
Do you support the Education Freedom Accounts program? Every child deserves the best opportunity to succeed. That is why I have supported record funding for our state’s public schools and why I support Education Freedom Accounts, because they provide educational opportunity for at risk students and students that may perform better in a different environment or a different school that may offer different academic, arts or sports programs. I also believe the NH Department of Education should have greater oversight of EFAs.
To what extent should NH restrict abortion, if at all? It should keep the current law of restricting abortion after 24 weeks of pregnancy.
What is one law currently on the books in NH that you would repeal, and why? We need to change the law to ensure that NH drivers who do not use E-ZPass receive the same discounts as NH drivers that have E-ZPass receive.
NH consistently struggles with funding its government and services. What is one way you would raise state revenue, and what is one area you would cut expenses? Be specific. I supported raising the tolls on out-of-state drivers.
As people across the state struggle with their local school tax bills, what role should the state play in funding education? The State of NH has provided over $1.1 billion for public schools annually in the last budget — the highest amount ever. I have fought for more funding for public education in every budget just as I have fought to send more money to towns. My legislation has doubled revenue going to towns from the rooms and meals tax. In District 9, towns and schools received $55 million of funding from Concord which helps property tax payers. As revenue grows, the Legislature should dedicate that growth to towns and schools. But NH should never adopt an income tax or sales tax or increase state property taxes on top of local property taxes. That would only lead to higher costs for hardworking families.
Aside from those mentioned above, what do you believe is the biggest issue facing the state today? High costs! Governor Ayotte recently signed my legislation giving patients better access to prescription discounts. Previous legislation of mine cuts through insurance company delays for needed patient care producing better outcomes and lower costs. Further, NH needs to continue with an all of the above energy strategy to lower costs and have a reliable electricity grid. Solar and wind are a necessary part of that strategy, but developing more traditional resources is important to lower electric rates.
Find more information at the candidate’s website: denisericciardi.org
