Midterm Elections
Our 2026 Candidates
Jaffrey Democrats are delighted to support strong candidates running for state offices in 2026. Meet the people who will stand up for Democratic values in Concord and work to make NH a better place for all of us.
Meet the Candidates
November 3, 2026 · Midterm Election · New Hampshire
House Representative
Tom Ahlborn-Hsu
Running for: NH House of Representatives — Cheshire District 13 (Jaffrey & Dublin)
“Works for You”
Talk to Tom — Office Hours
Dublin — DubHub
Mondays, 10 AM–Noon (starting Aug 10)
Jaffrey — Optimist Cafe
Sundays, 8–10 AM (starting Aug 9, except Aug 30)
I am a creative thinker with a commitment to public service and a track record in business and education. The founder of three small companies, I understand the realities of balancing fiscal management with taking care of people, and getting things done. If elected, my priority is to create policies that help the 98% of us, and not just the 2% at the top of the economic pyramid. My goals are to find solutions to our most pressing problems such as adequately funding public education, reducing the property tax burden on those who can least afford it, supporting working people, and fighting the extremist Free-State agenda that threatens to tear NH apart. I serve on many town boards and committees and have a practical understanding of what our towns need to thrive, and what we want to change in Concord.
Key Views
Education
I am a product of public schools. Public schools are the gateway to the American Dream for 85 out of 100 kids in NH. I believe one of the most important things the government can do is to offer all kids a chance to succeed through excellent public education. We need the State of NH to adequately support public schools as ordered by the NH Supreme Court. We need to prevent Education Freedom Accounts from diverting more than $100M away from public schools. We also need to drop onerous state requirements that force schools and teachers to do ridiculous amounts of paperwork instead of teaching. This adds cost and does little for students.
Economy
For the last decade, our state policies have delivered more and more benefits to the top 2% and shifted more and more tax burdens on the 98% of the rest of us. This has to stop. We need policies that benefit working families and retirees who don’t have million-dollar stock portfolios. For example, cutting taxes on out of state corporations just shifts costs onto homeowners through property taxes. The Republican claim that cutting corporate taxes raises revenue by “attracting businesses to NH” is false. Even if companies do come, they aren’t taxed so how does this raise revenue? In reality, companies don’t come because their workers can’t afford the high property taxes, there is a dire shortage of housing, health care costs too much, and they are worried about schools.
Health Care
Americans pay the highest prices for health care in the world (by 2x), for similar or less service. I believe that is because there is an intrinsic conflict of interest between “for profit” and effective health care for people. I believe that hospitals and medical facilities should not be owned by investors or for-profit entities. I believe we need to break the money-driven racket between the drug manufacturers, the middlemen who negotiate insurance rates, the insurers, and the healthcare industry. This is an area where public policy could make a real difference.
Environment
There is only one Earth and we all share it. We have a duty to protect our Earth, both for ourselves and for future generations. I am a scientist and have written textbooks about the physics and chemistry of the Earth. I know more about climate change than most people. This knowledge makes me much more concerned than most people! drugstores. There are sensible policies we should have that are both economically viable, and environmentally crucial. Among these are solving the trash problem, creating more renewable energy, supporting the transition to electric cars, and stimulating the conversion of oil heat to efficient minisplits.
Community Involvement
- Jaffrey Conservation Commission — Chair
- Advisor to the Planning Board
- Jaffrey Chamber of Commerce Board
- 2025/26 President, Jaffrey-Rindge Rotary
- Cathedral of the Pines Board
- Volunteer at the Park Theatre
- 2026 Concerts on the Common
- Amos Fortune Forum Board
- 2020-2023 Dub Hub Volunteer
Jaffrey, NH
House Representative
Allen Davis
Running for: NH House of Representatives — Cheshire District 18 (Dublin, Jaffrey & Rindge)
“Let’s Move NH Forward and Make It Affordable.”
I will focus on reducing the Cost of Living and making NH affordable.
I commit to increasing state support for our public schools and our public colleges and universities.
I will be a strong supporter of building Housing You Can Afford.
Key Views
Public Education & School Funding
As a former administrator and teacher at schools and colleges, I support a better education for NH children. I am strongly opposed to all efforts to divert public funding to parents whose children attend private or religious schools, or are home schooled. I am outraged by the state’s shifting of costs for education to the towns and local taxpayers. Now is the time for the state to invest heavily in our children.
Health Care Access and Cost
Everyone should be able to access and afford health care when they need it. We must protect Medicaid and invite more affordable Medicare options to our state.
Environment
We must protect the natural beauty of our state and transition to renewable energy, especially solar, as soon as possible.
Dublin, NH
House Representative
Rory Lovett Sherman
Running for: NH House of Representatives — Cheshire District 18 (Dublin, Jaffrey & Rindge)
“Asking for your vote – A trust always earned and never for granted.”
Rory Lovett is a candidate for State Representative for District 18. A floterial seat representing Jaffrey, Dublin and Rindge. Born and raised in New Hampshire, and a 10 year resident of Dublin with his wife and four young children. A machinist by trade having worked in local factories now for more than a decade.
Key Views
Education
NH is 50th in the nation in State funding for education. Towns are struggling to adequately fund education even as they turn to higher property taxes trying to make ends meet. I agree with the State Supreme Court that the State has a responsibility and ability to do better for our towns and students.
Housing
Working families need access to affordable housing across NH and our local businesses need those working families. Our economic growth of the future will be determined by how well we enable people to cultivate and deepen roots here. When housing is within reach of our citizens local communities thrive. The State can do more to help towns meet the housing needs of the future and today without sacrificing local control over development.
Civil Liberties
Voting is a right. It must always be free, accessible and fair. Ending gerrymandering, creating a voting holiday, and automatic voter registration should all be up for debate as we consider how to expand voting ease and security to everyone willing to perform their civic duty at the polls.
Economy
New Hampshire has had the worst wage growth in New England over the last 10 years. It is time for NH to lead its own way and leave the Federal minimum wage behind as all of our neighbors have already done. A living wage feeds all aspects of our economy, and it is okay for our standards to reflect that need in a world of rapidly increasing costs of living.
Dublin, NH
State Senate
Matt McLaughlin
NH Senate — District 9 (Jaffrey & Other Towns)
“Lower Property Taxes”
Matt McLaughlin was born and raised in Bedford New Hampshire and is running for the NH Senate Seat in District 9. McLaughlin studied at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, where he played football. In the Navy, McLaughlin became an aircraft carrier jet pilot and served three deployments. McLaughlin later became a commercial pilot and retired after 33 years. McLaughlin is running for State Senate with one priority: to lower property taxes. He will address the rising cost of living, expand clean energy, and invest in education to increase workforce opportunities.
Key Views
Lower Property Taxes
Granite Staters pay the 4th highest property taxes in the nation while cutting taxes for corporations like Amazon and Walmart, passing those costs onto taxpayers. It’s time for the state to pay its fair share and give working families relief.
Education
New Hampshire contributes less per pupil to annual education funding than Mississippi. Matt is fighting to end the EFA voucher program and ensure the state meets the needs of its students.
Clean Energy & Climate Change
Matt is a member of the Bedford Energy Commission and is committed to delivering cost-efficient, environmentally friendly energy solutions to Granite Staters. From heating oil in the winter to rising electric bills year-round, too many Granite Staters pay too much just to keep the lights on and their homes warm. Matt will push to modernize our grid and expand renewable energy like solar to protect the environment and your budget.
Bedford, NH
Executive Council
Melanie Levesque
Running for: Executive Council, District 5
“Its Time For A New Day!“
The Honorable Melanie Levesque is running for Executive Council, District 5. Melanie is a lifelong Granite Stater with experience as both a small business owner and a State Legislator. Melanie understands the importance of good judgment and listening to the needs of our constituents. It’s never been clearer – we need a strong voice representing our communities in government. As an Executive Councilor, Melanie will always prioritize our people, and ensure our communities have what they need to thrive.
Key Views
Affordability
Lower property taxes and reinvest in our communities.
Education
Fund our public schools, our students, and our teachers.
Health Care
Expand healthcare access for every Granite Stater.
Infrastructure
Restore funding for passenger rail.
Health Care
Support fair, independent judges and commissioners.
Milford, NH
