Belknap County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
55 candidates are on the November 3, 2026 ballot across 21 Belknap County races, led by the Belknap County Sheriff contest.
County offices
SheriffBill Wright (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Bill Wright (Republican) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Belknap County Sheriff.
Bill Wright Republican Incumbent
Bill Wright of Belmont is Belknap County's sitting sheriff, per the county's official pages, and the only filer in either party. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
The sitting sheriff is the only filer in either party. This race is on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot.
Full race pageAttorneyKeith Gerard Cormier (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Keith Gerard Cormier (Democratic) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Belknap County Attorney.
Keith Gerard Cormier Democratic Incumbent
Keith Gerard Cormier of Laconia is the sitting Belknap County Attorney, sworn in May 2024, per the Laconia Daily Sun, and the only filer in either party. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
The sitting county attorney is the only filer in either party. This race is on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot.
Full race pageTreasurerJason Sproul (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jason Sproul (Democratic) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Belknap County Treasurer.
Jason Sproul Democratic
Jason Sproul serves as vice chair of the Belknap County Democratic Committee and co-chair of the Laconia Democratic Committee, per the committee's website. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
The only filer in either party. This race is on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot.
Full race pageRegister of DeedsLaura Lapointe (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Laura Lapointe (Republican) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Belknap County Register of Deeds.
Laura Lapointe Republican Incumbent
Laura Lapointe of Belmont is Belknap County's sitting register of deeds, per the county's official pages, and the only filer in either party. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
The sitting register is the only filer in either party. This race is on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot.
Full race pageCommissioner, District 1Peter John Spanos (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Peter John Spanos (Republican) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Belknap County Commissioner, District 1.
Peter John Spanos Republican Incumbent
Peter John Spanos of Laconia is a sitting Belknap County commissioner and the board's chair, per the county roster, and the only filer in either party. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
The board chair is the only filer in either party. District 3 is not on the 2026 ballot. This race is on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot.
Full race pageCommissioner, District 2Glen A. Waring (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Glen A. Waring (Republican) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Belknap County Commissioner, District 2.
Glen A. Waring Republican Incumbent
Glen A. Waring of Gilmanton is a sitting Belknap County commissioner and the board's vice chair, per the county roster, and the only filer in either party. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
The board vice chair is the only filer in either party. This race is on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot.
Full race pageJudges
Register of ProbateRuth Larson (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Ruth Larson (Democratic) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Belknap County Register of Probate.
Ruth Larson Democratic
Ruth Larson of Alton is on the Secretary of State's certified filing list as the Democratic candidate for Belknap County Register of Probate. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
The only filer in either party. This race is on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot.
Full race pageDistricts and boards
New Hampshire Executive Council District 1Joseph D. Kenney (R) · Luz Bay (D)
Joseph D. Kenney Republican
- Supports the Education Freedom Account program and opposes Common Core standards
- Opposes broad-based income and sales taxes and supports phasing out the Interest and Dividends tax
- Prioritizes municipal control over state mandates on zoning and housing
About Joseph D. Kenney
Joseph D. Kenney is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps who has served on the Executive Council for District 1 since 2022, with an earlier term from 2014 to 2018, per Citizens Count. He previously served in the New Hampshire Senate from 2002 to 2008 and the New Hampshire House from 1994 to 2002. He holds a BA in history from the University of New Hampshire. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Secretary of State's primary results are the only verifiable source for Joseph D. Kenney.
Luz Bay Democratic
- Supports abortion access and reproductive healthcare rights
- Supports increased education funding and opposes Education Freedom Accounts
- Supports gun regulations including background checks and extreme risk protection orders
Per the campaign site.
About Luz Bay
Luz Bay is a psychometrician with a 29-year career in educational assessment who has served as the Democratic state representative for Strafford County District 21 since 2022, per Citizens Count. She holds a PhD in educational measurement and statistics and a master's degree in mathematics from Southern Illinois University, and a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of the Philippines. She is active in the Dover community through the city's Committee for Racial Equity and Inclusion.
Joseph D. Kenney (Republican), Luz Bay (Democratic) are on the November 3 ballot for New Hampshire Executive Council District 1. Nominees are each party's top finishers in the September 8, 2026 state primary, per the Secretary of State's town-by-town results; nomination-paper candidates are not yet included.
Full race pageNew Hampshire Executive Council District 4John Stephen (R) · Jim O'Connell (D)
John Stephen Republican
- Supports reducing business taxes and regulations to encourage economic development
- Opposes broad-based income and sales taxes
- Supports school choice options including education freedom accounts
Per the campaign site.
About John Stephen
John Stephen is the founder and managing partner of The Stephen Group, a management consulting firm, and previously served as Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services from 2003 to 2007, per Citizens Count. He holds a BA from the University of New Hampshire's Whittemore School of Business and Economics and a JD from Michigan State University School of Law. He has served on the Executive Council for District 4 since 2025.
Jim O'Connell Democratic
- Supports protecting reproductive freedom
- Supports public education funding and school infrastructure investment
- Supports commuter rail and transportation infrastructure and a higher minimum wage
Per the campaign site.
About Jim O'Connell
Jim O'Connell co-founded Caradas, a cybersecurity consultancy serving Fortune 100 companies, and serves as Vice Chair of the Manchester school board, per his campaign site. Born and raised in Cobh, Ireland, he later lived in London, Australia and New Zealand before settling with his family in Manchester in 1997. He and his wife Kathy have raised four children in the city.
John Stephen (Republican), Jim O'Connell (Democratic) are on the November 3 ballot for New Hampshire Executive Council District 4. Nominees are each party's top finishers in the September 8, 2026 state primary, per the Secretary of State's town-by-town results; nomination-paper candidates are not yet included.
Full race pageBy address
These seats are elected by district; only the district covering your address is on your ballot.
Belknap County is split across 4 New Hampshire Senate districts.
Find your districts by addressNew Hampshire Senate: 4 districtsDistricts 2, 6, 7, 17
New Hampshire Senate District 2Timothy P. Lang (R) · Kurt Webber (D)
Timothy P. Lang Republican Incumbent
Timothy P. Lang is the Republican nominee for New Hampshire Senate District 2 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. Timothy P. Lang is a sitting member for the district, per the General Court's official member list (gc.nh.gov). Works as a managing IT professional for a company that runs concerts, including at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford, per news reports. Is serving his second term in the Senate, having previously been elected to the New Hampshire House in 2016, per NH Senate official page. Chairs the Senate Ways and Means Committee and is vice chair of the Election Law Committee, per NH Senate official page. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Secretary of State's primary results are the only verifiable source for Timothy P. Lang.
Kurt Webber Democratic
- Supports housing affordability initiatives so local employees can live near their workplaces
- Supports bipartisan property tax relief while maintaining education funding
- Supports climate action and environmental protection for the Lakes Region
Per the campaign site.
About Kurt Webber
Kurt Webber is a retired U.S. Army officer with more than 23 years of service, including special forces training, and a West Point graduate, per his campaign site. He taught at Lakes Region Community College and New Hampshire Technical Institute from roughly 2001 to 2017 and served on the Gilford School Board for nine years. He founded the Patriot Resilient Leader Institute, which runs therapeutic retreats for veterans and first responders, and lives in Gilford.
Timothy P. Lang (Republican), Kurt Webber (Democratic) are on the November 3 ballot for New Hampshire Senate District 2; Timothy P. Lang is the sitting member, per the General Court's official member list (gc.nh.gov). Nominees are each party's top finishers in the September 8, 2026 state primary, per the Secretary of State's town-by-town results; nomination-paper candidates are not yet included.
Full race pageNew Hampshire Senate District 6James P. Gray (R) · Cecil Abels (D)
James P. Gray Republican Incumbent
- Supports Education Freedom Accounts and school choice programs
- Opposes broad-based income and sales taxes
- Supports right-to-work legislation
Per the campaign site.
About James P. Gray
James P. Gray is a Senior Engineering Manager for Industrial Operation at Naval Sea Systems Command and has served in the New Hampshire Senate since 2016 after four years in the House, per Citizens Count. He holds a BSEE from the University of New Hampshire and serves his community as a Ward Moderator and Planning Board member. He lives in Rochester.
Cecil Abels Democratic
- Opposes the current Education Freedom Account program without income caps and supports increased public school funding
- Supports recreational marijuana legalization
- Supports state encouragement of local zoning changes for downtown residential development
Per the campaign site.
About Cecil Abels
Cecil Abels owns MrSippy BBQ in Barrington, which he opened in 2014, and previously worked as General Manager at Lark Hotels and as a Keller Williams Coastal realtor, per Citizens Count. He holds a BA in English Teaching from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in Rochester.
James P. Gray (Republican), Cecil Abels (Democratic) are on the November 3 ballot for New Hampshire Senate District 6; James P. Gray is the sitting member, per the General Court's official member list (gc.nh.gov). Nominees are each party's top finishers in the September 8, 2026 state primary, per the Secretary of State's town-by-town results; nomination-paper candidates are not yet included.
Full race pageNew Hampshire Senate District 7Daniel E. Innis (R) · Rebecca Harned (D)
Daniel E. Innis Republican Incumbent
- Supports Education Freedom Account programs and school choice
- Opposes income, sales and capital gains taxes
- Supports nuclear energy development and expanding net metering
Per the campaign site.
About Daniel E. Innis
Daniel E. Innis is a professor of marketing and hospitality management at the University of New Hampshire and a former dean of the university's Paul College, per Citizens Count. He co-owns Trails End Acres Wagyu Farm and holds a BBA from Ohio University, an MBA from Miami University of Ohio, and a PhD from The Ohio State University. He lives in Bradford.
Rebecca Harned Democratic
Rebecca Harned is a Principal Research Scientist at UL Research Institutes who previously served as Senior Advisor to the U.S. Fire Administration and Assistant Executive Director at the International Association of Fire Chiefs, per Citizens Count. She serves on the Budget Committee for the Kearsarge Regional School District. She holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Colby-Sawyer College and a master's degree in international peace and conflict studies from the University for Peace, and lives in North Sutton.
Daniel E. Innis (Republican), Rebecca Harned (Democratic) are on the November 3 ballot for New Hampshire Senate District 7; Daniel E. Innis is the sitting member, per the General Court's official member list (gc.nh.gov). Nominees are each party's top finishers in the September 8, 2026 state primary, per the Secretary of State's town-by-town results; nomination-paper candidates are not yet included.
Full race pageNew Hampshire Senate District 17Howard Pearl (R) · Robert Lawliss (D)
Howard Pearl Republican Incumbent
- Supports the Education Freedom Account program and parental rights in schools
- Opposes broad-based income and sales taxes
- Supports mandatory minimum sentences for drug-related offenses
Per the campaign site.
About Howard Pearl
Howard Pearl is a candidate for New Hampshire Senate District 17, per his campaign site. He is a sixth-generation farmer who operates Pearl and Sons Farm in Loudon and previously served three terms in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, chairing the House Environment and Agriculture Committee, per his campaign site. He also serves as Loudon Town Moderator and as treasurer of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau state board, per his campaign site.
Robert Lawliss Democratic
- Opposes Education Freedom Account programs, favoring public funds for public education
- Supports reinstating the interest and dividends tax
- Supports zoning changes to encourage affordable housing development
Per the campaign site.
About Robert Lawliss
Robert Lawliss is a retired software engineer who holds a BS from the University of Massachusetts and an MBA from Western New England University, per Citizens Count. He lives in Pembroke and is running for Senate District 17.
Howard Pearl (Republican), Robert Lawliss (Democratic) are on the November 3 ballot for New Hampshire Senate District 17; Howard Pearl is the sitting member, per the General Court's official member list (gc.nh.gov). Nominees are each party's top finishers in the September 8, 2026 state primary, per the Secretary of State's town-by-town results; nomination-paper candidates are not yet included.
Full race pageNew Hampshire House, Belknap District 1Tom Ploszaj (R) · Amber Schaefer (D)
Tom Ploszaj Republican Incumbent
- Supports Education Freedom Accounts with district accountability and public school open enrollment with limits.
- Opposes expanding net metering and broad-based income, sales, and capital gains taxes; supports nuclear energy development.
- Says legislative votes on abortion policy should reflect district views rather than personal beliefs.
Per the campaign site.
About Tom Ploszaj
Tom Ploszaj is the Republican nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 1 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. Tom Ploszaj is a sitting member for the district, per the General Court's official member list (gc.nh.gov). Has represented Belknap District 1 in the New Hampshire House since 2020 and is a retired analytic research scientist, per Citizens Count candidate profile. Worked for United Auto Workers Local 626 from 1973 to 1988 and volunteers as an EMT and cemetery trustee, per Citizens Count candidate profile.
Amber Schaefer Democratic
- Favors progressive taxation over broad-based income or business tax cuts and supports reinstating the interest and dividends tax.
- Wants greater oversight and income caps for the Education Freedom Account program.
- Supports zoning changes to address housing affordability, expanding net metering, and abortion access before 24 weeks.
Per the campaign site.
About Amber Schaefer
Amber Schaefer is the Democratic nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 1 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. Works as a physical therapist and rehabilitation manager, per Citizens Count candidate profile. Holds a BS in pre-physical therapy studies from Plymouth State University and a clinical doctorate in physical therapy from Franklin Pierce University, per Citizens Count candidate profile.
Tom Ploszaj (Republican), Amber Schaefer (Democratic) are on the November 3 ballot for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 1; Tom Ploszaj is the sitting member, per the General Court's official member list (gc.nh.gov). Nominees are each party's top finishers in the September 8, 2026 state primary, per the Secretary of State's town-by-town results; nomination-paper candidates are not yet included.
Full race pageNew Hampshire House, Belknap District 2Matt Coker (R) · Scott Wallace (R) · Seth Wheeler (D) · Dean S.T. Cascadden (D)
Matt Coker Republican Incumbent
- Opposing a state sales or income tax
- Keeping decisions at the local level
- Practical legislation that helps people and protects taxpayers
Per the campaign site.
About Matt Coker
Matt Coker is the Republican nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 2 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. Matt Coker is a sitting member for the district, per the General Court's official member list (gc.nh.gov). Has represented Belknap District 2 in the New Hampshire House since 2022, per Citizens Count candidate profile. Works as an active airline pilot and instructor pilot, and serves as clerk of the Belknap County Budget Committee, per Citizens Count candidate profile.
Scott Wallace Republican
- Supports Education Freedom Accounts, business tax decreases, nuclear power development, and marijuana legalization.
- Supports proof-of-citizenship voting requirements.
- Opposes income and capital gains taxes, expanding net metering, and stricter gun laws.
Per the campaign site.
About Scott Wallace
Scott Wallace is the Republican nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 2 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. Previously served in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, per Citizens Count candidate profile. Owned Birch Tree Auto and Truck Repair for 25 years and previously worked as a field engineer, fleet manager, vehicle designer, and Mercedes-Benz master technician, per Citizens Count candidate profile. Graduate of Pinkerton Academy and the University of New Hampshire; lives in Meredith with a spouse and two children, per Citizens Count candidate profile.
Seth Wheeler Democratic
- Opposes shifting education costs onto local property taxpayers and opposes voucher programs.
- Supports reinstating the interest and dividends tax and removing zoning barriers to affordable housing.
- Supports expanding net metering incentives and banning assault weapons.
Per the campaign site.
About Seth Wheeler
Seth Wheeler is the Democratic nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 2 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. Works as a communications administrator for the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative and retired from a career in business communications and journalism in 2025, per Citizens Count candidate profile. First-time candidate who holds a BA in history and English from Colby College and lives in Meredith with a spouse and two children, per Citizens Count candidate profile.
Dean S.T. Cascadden Democratic
Dean S.T. Cascadden is a retired educator whose career included work as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and professor, according to the Laconia Daily Sun. Cascadden, described as a centrist, is running for the New Hampshire House in Belknap District 2. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Secretary of State's primary results are the only verifiable source for Dean S.T. Cascadden.
Matt Coker (Republican), Scott Wallace (Republican), Seth Wheeler (Democratic), Dean S.T. Cascadden (Democratic) are on the November 3 ballot for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 2; Matt Coker is the sitting member, per the General Court's official member list (gc.nh.gov). This is a two-seat district: voters choose up to two candidates, and the top two finishers are elected. Nominees are each party's top finishers in the September 8, 2026 state primary, per the Secretary of State's town-by-town results; nomination-paper candidates are not yet included.
Full race pageNew Hampshire House, Belknap District 3Steven Bunce (R) · William Lawrence, Jr. (D)
Steven Bunce Republican
- Opposes a state sales tax and income tax.
About Steven Bunce
Steven Bunce is the Republican nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 3 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. Works as a dog trainer and resides in Tilton, per Citizens Count candidate profile. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Secretary of State's primary results are the only verifiable source for Steven Bunce.
William Lawrence, Jr. Democratic
William Lawrence, Jr. is the Democratic nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 3 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Secretary of State's primary results are the only verifiable source for William Lawrence, Jr.
Steven Bunce (Republican), William Lawrence, Jr. (Democratic) are on the November 3 ballot for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 3. Not on the November ballot: Juliet Harvey-Bolia, the sitting member for the district per the same list. Nominees are each party's top finishers in the September 8, 2026 state primary, per the Secretary of State's town-by-town results; nomination-paper candidates are not yet included.
Full race pageNew Hampshire House, Belknap District 4Kevin M. Nugent, Jr. (R) · Liz Charlwood (D)
Kevin M. Nugent, Jr. Republican
Kevin M. Nugent, Jr. is the Republican nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 4 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Secretary of State's primary results are the only verifiable source for Kevin M. Nugent, Jr.
Liz Charlwood Democratic
- Says housing affordability involves property taxes, available housing, and economic opportunity, and supports policies encouraging housing development while preserving community character.
- Wants the state to fully fund education rather than relying primarily on local property taxes.
Per the campaign site.
About Liz Charlwood
Liz Charlwood is the Democratic nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 4 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. President of GoCloud Tech NH since 2020, after holding IT and project management roles in Missouri, Illinois, Maryland, and Virginia, per Citizens Count candidate profile. Also works as a Realtor and holds an associate's degree in business administration from UNH-Manchester, per Citizens Count candidate profile.
Kevin M. Nugent, Jr. (Republican), Liz Charlwood (Democratic) are on the November 3 ballot for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 4. Not on the November ballot: Travis Toner, the sitting member for the district per the same list. Nominees are each party's top finishers in the September 8, 2026 state primary, per the Secretary of State's town-by-town results; nomination-paper candidates are not yet included.
Full race pageNew Hampshire House, Belknap District 5Mike Bordes (R) · Timothy Minor (R) · Cody Pfaff (R) · Paul Rossi (R) · Marcia Hayward (D) · Denise Riley (D) · Lois A. Kessin (D) · Charlie St. Clair (D)
Mike Bordes Republican Incumbent
- Opposes new income, sales, and capital gains taxes; supports lower business taxes.
- Supports Education Freedom Accounts with accountability requirements and opposes state-mandated zoning changes.
- Supports the state's current abortion law, nuclear power development, and expanding net metering; opposes stricter gun laws.
Per the campaign site.
About Mike Bordes
Mike Bordes is the Republican nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 5 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. Mike Bordes is a sitting member for the district, per the General Court's official member list (gc.nh.gov). Has represented Belknap District 5 in the New Hampshire House since 2020 while also serving as Mayor of Laconia, per Citizens Count candidate profile.
Timothy Minor Republican
Timothy Minor is the Republican nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 5 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Secretary of State's primary results are the only verifiable source for Timothy Minor.
Cody Pfaff Republican
- Opposes a broad-based income tax, saying it would add new burdens on families without solving the state's spending challenges.
Per the campaign site.
About Cody Pfaff
Cody Pfaff is the Republican nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 5 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. Owns a Main Street business, per Citizens Count candidate profile.
Paul Rossi Republican
- Supports Education Freedom Accounts and school choice, saying funding should follow the student.
- Opposes a broad-based income tax and prioritizes property tax relief.
- Supports zoning reform allowing accessory dwelling units by right.
Per the campaign site.
About Paul Rossi
Paul Rossi is the Republican nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 5 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. Former teacher from Laconia, per Citizens Count candidate profile.
Marcia Hayward Democratic
- Opposes the Education Freedom Account program, saying public education deserves public funding support.
- Opposes broad-based income and business tax cuts while supporting reinstating the interest and dividends tax.
- Supports cannabis legalization, renewable energy and nuclear power development, and opposes proof-of-citizenship voter registration requirements.
Per the campaign site.
About Marcia Hayward
Marcia Hayward is the Democratic nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 5 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. Retired educator who taught science at Laconia High School for 18 years and served as principal of Belmont High School for 10 years before working as an adjunct professor at community colleges, per Citizens Count candidate profile. Chairs the Laconia Zoning Board of Adjustment, serves as president of the Wildwood Village Condominium Association, and is a trustee of Union Cemetery, per Citizens Count candidate profile. Holds an associate's degree from Lasell College and a bachelor's and master's degree in education from Plymouth State University, per Citizens Count candidate profile.
Denise Riley Democratic
- Focuses on addressing housing affordability.
Per the campaign site.
About Denise Riley
Riley has worked as a defense investigator for more than 30 years, per the campaign site. Riley earned a criminal justice degree from St. Anselm College, was born and raised in Manchester, and has lived and worked in Laconia for more than five years, per the campaign site.
Lois A. Kessin Democratic
- Opposes relying primarily on property taxes to fund schools and favors alternative revenue sources.
- Supports zoning changes to encourage affordable housing, citing Cambridge programs pricing a share of units in larger developments below market rate and community land trust style programs for first-time homebuyers.
- Is critical of school voucher programs.
About Lois A. Kessin
Lois A. Kessin is the Democratic nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 5 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. Describes being a longtime community activist, per Citizens Count candidate profile. Previously lived in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and took part in drafting that city's rent control law and other community housing initiatives, per Citizens Count candidate profile. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Secretary of State's primary results are the only verifiable source for Lois A. Kessin.
Charlie St. Clair Democratic Incumbent
Charlie St. Clair died on August 22, 2026, after being injured in a motorcycle crash while traveling to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, according to New Hampshire Public Radio and the New Hampshire Bulletin. St. Clair had represented Belknap District 5 in the New Hampshire House since December 2022 and served as executive director of Laconia Motorcycle Week since 1991. St. Clair's name remained on the September 8, 2026 primary ballot despite the death; November ballot status should be confirmed with the Secretary of State. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Secretary of State's primary results are the only verifiable source for Charlie St. Clair.
Mike Bordes (Republican), Timothy Minor (Republican), Cody Pfaff (Republican), Paul Rossi (Republican), Marcia Hayward (Democratic), Denise Riley (Democratic), Lois A. Kessin (Democratic), Charlie St. Clair (Democratic) are on the November 3 ballot for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 5; Mike Bordes, Charlie St. Clair are sitting members, per the General Court's official member list (gc.nh.gov). This is a four-seat district: voters choose up to four candidates, and the top four finishers are elected. Not on the November ballot: Steven Bogert, Sheri Minor, sitting members for the district per the same list. Nominees are each party's top finishers in the September 8, 2026 state primary, per the Secretary of State's town-by-town results; nomination-paper candidates are not yet included. Ballot status: Charlie St. Clair, a sitting member for the district, died on August 22, 2026, per NHPR and the New Hampshire Bulletin; his name remained on the September 8 primary ballot and finished among the Democratic nominees. State law allows a party to fill a nomination vacancy, and the Secretary of State's November candidate list settles the printed field for this seat.
Full race pageNew Hampshire House, Belknap District 6Priscilla M. Bean (R) · Glen Aldrich (R) · Jade Wood (R) · Colleen M. Harkey (R) · David Nagel (D) · Bob McLean (D) · Lisa Rivard (D) · Allan Frank (D)
Priscilla M. Bean Republican
- Supports the right to own a gun for self-defense and opposes stricter gun laws.
- Supports biological sex-based access to facilities and has proposed transgender-specific bathrooms as a compromise.
- Is skeptical that adding an income or sales tax would meaningfully reduce the property tax burden.
About Priscilla M. Bean
Priscilla M. Bean is the Republican nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 6 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. Lives in Gilford and is not currently serving in a New Hampshire office, per Citizens Count candidate profile. Her late husband, Harry Bean, previously held the Belknap District 6 seat she is now seeking, per Citizens Count candidate profile. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Secretary of State's primary results are the only verifiable source for Priscilla M. Bean.
Glen Aldrich Republican
- Supports Education Freedom Accounts and property-tax based school funding.
- Opposes broad-based income taxes and supports business tax decreases; opposes stricter gun laws.
- Supports nuclear energy development, proof-of-citizenship voter registration requirements, and local zoning changes to encourage housing development.
Per the campaign site.
About Glen Aldrich
Glen Aldrich is the Republican nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 6 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. Has represented Belknap District 6 in the New Hampshire House from 2014 to 2022 and again since 2024, per Citizens Count candidate profile. Owns Glen Aldrich Construction, is retired, and serves on the House Science, Technology and Energy Committee, per Citizens Count candidate profile.
Jade Wood Republican
- Supports school choice across traditional, private, trade, and homeschool options.
- Opposes transgender participation in women's sports and access to women's locker rooms and restrooms.
- Pledges to oppose a sales tax and an income tax, and supports allowing accessory dwelling units by property owner choice.
About Jade Wood
Jade Wood is the Republican nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 6 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. Serves on the Gunstock Area Commission and works as a paraeducator, per Citizens Count candidate profile. Resides in Gilford, per Citizens Count candidate profile. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Secretary of State's primary results are the only verifiable source for Jade Wood.
Colleen M. Harkey Republican
- Emphasizes education accountability, transparency, and support for public schools alongside parental involvement and school choice options
- Supports local control over housing and infrastructure decisions and opposes state mandates
- Supports lower taxes, reduced regulation, and workforce development
Per the campaign site.
About Colleen M. Harkey
Colleen M. Harkey is the Republican nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 6 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. Has more than three decades of experience in financial services, business management, and nonprofit fundraising, per Campaign site (colleenharkeynh.com). Holds a BS in business and communications from Liberty University and the Certified Fund Raising Executive credential, per Campaign site (colleenharkeynh.com). Moved to New Hampshire in 2020 and to Gilmanton in 2022, per Campaign site (colleenharkeynh.com).
David Nagel Democratic Incumbent
- Supports addressing climate change and encouraging municipalities to remove zoning barriers to housing.
- Is concerned about disparities in school funding across the state.
- Supports a cautious approach to marijuana legalization and opposes mandatory sentencing for third-trimester abortions, calling it legislative overreach.
Per the campaign site.
About David Nagel
David Nagel is the Democratic nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 6 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. David Nagel is a sitting member for the district, per the General Court's official member list (gc.nh.gov). Physician at Concord Orthopaedics for 34 years who has represented Belknap District 6 in the New Hampshire House since 2022, per Citizens Count candidate profile. Holds a BA from Hamilton College and an MD from the University of Rochester, per Citizens Count candidate profile. Switched party registration from Republican to Democratic in February 2026, citing disillusionment with toeing the party line, per Citizens Count candidate profile.
Bob McLean Democratic
- Opposes school voucher programs and supports increasing the state's education funding adequacy amount.
- Supports reinstating the interest and dividends tax and taxing large corporations.
- Supports keeping housing and zoning decisions at the local level, cannabis legalization, and exploring renewable energy sources.
About Bob McLean
Bob McLean is the Democratic nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 6 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. Works in construction and hospitality, per Citizens Count candidate profile. Is serving a second term on the Gilford School Board after three years on its budget committee, per Citizens Count candidate profile. Graduated from Interlakes High School with additional college coursework and job training, per Citizens Count candidate profile. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Secretary of State's primary results are the only verifiable source for Bob McLean.
Lisa Rivard Democratic
- Says zoning and spending decisions should be made locally.
- Supports cannabis legalization while noting the state loses revenue when residents buy marijuana across state lines.
- Opposes an income tax but frames it as a last resort rather than ruling it out entirely.
About Lisa Rivard
Lisa Rivard is the Democratic nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 6 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Secretary of State's primary results are the only verifiable source for Lisa Rivard.
Allan Frank Democratic
- Opposes the Education Freedom Account program and public school open enrollment with limits, saying they reduce funding available to public schools
- Focuses on school funding, healthcare access, and the cost of living.
Per the campaign site.
About Allan Frank
Allan Frank is a Democratic candidate for the New Hampshire House in Belknap District 6 who lives in Gilford. Frank's campaign, per a September 2026 news article, focuses on school funding, healthcare access, and cost of living.
Priscilla M. Bean (Republican), Glen Aldrich (Republican), Jade Wood (Republican), Colleen M. Harkey (Republican), David Nagel (Democratic), Bob McLean (Democratic), Lisa Rivard (Democratic), Allan Frank (Democratic) are on the November 3 ballot for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 6; David Nagel is the sitting member, per the General Court's official member list (gc.nh.gov). This is a four-seat district: voters choose up to four candidates, and the top four finishers are elected. Not on the November ballot: Russell Dumais, the sitting member for the district per the same list. Nominees are each party's top finishers in the September 8, 2026 state primary, per the Secretary of State's town-by-town results; nomination-paper candidates are not yet included.
Full race pageNew Hampshire House, Belknap District 7Peter R. Varney (R) · Barbara Comtois (R) · Paul A. Terry (R) · Laura Dunham (D) · Nancy Mitchell (D) · Stephen Copithorne (D)
Peter R. Varney Republican Incumbent
Peter R. Varney is the sitting state representative for Belknap District 7, according to Citizens Count. He declined to complete the 2024 State Candidate Survey. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Secretary of State's primary results are the only verifiable source for Peter R. Varney.
Barbara Comtois Republican Incumbent
Barbara Comtois is the sitting state representative for Belknap District 7, according to Citizens Count. She declined to complete the 2024 State Candidate Survey. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Secretary of State's primary results are the only verifiable source for Barbara Comtois.
Paul A. Terry Republican Incumbent
- Supports the Education Freedom Account school choice program
- Opposes an income tax, sales tax and capital gains tax
About Paul A. Terry
Paul A. Terry is the sitting state representative for Belknap District 7. He supports the state's Education Freedom Account school choice program and opposes an income, sales or capital gains tax, per his 2024 Citizens Count survey answers. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Secretary of State's primary results are the only verifiable source for Paul A. Terry.
Laura Dunham Democratic
- Opposes the Education Freedom Account program and supports fully funding public schools
- Opposes a broad-based income tax
- Supports expanding net metering for renewable energy
Per the campaign site.
About Laura Dunham
Laura Dunham is a retired public school teacher of 32 years who lives in Center Barnstead, per Citizens Count. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in special education, and volunteers as an alternate library trustee.
Nancy Mitchell Democratic
- Opposes the Education Freedom Account program and supports increased state funding for public schools
- Supports expanding net metering for renewable energy
- Opposes a broad-based income tax
Per the campaign site.
About Nancy Mitchell
Nancy Mitchell holds a bachelor's degree in business from Granite State College and lives in Alton, per Citizens Count. She has served on Alton's Conservation Commission and volunteered as a ballot clerk.
Stephen Copithorne Democratic
- Opposes the Education Freedom Account program
- Supports climate action, renewable energy expansion and RGGI participation
About Stephen Copithorne
Stephen Copithorne holds a master of arts in teaching from the University of New Hampshire and has spent 30 years supporting developmentally disabled adults, per Citizens Count. He lives in Alton and helped establish the Tri-town Democrats meetings in 2010. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Secretary of State's primary results are the only verifiable source for Stephen Copithorne.
Peter R. Varney (Republican), Barbara Comtois (Republican), Paul A. Terry (Republican), Laura Dunham (Democratic), Nancy Mitchell (Democratic), Stephen Copithorne (Democratic) are on the November 3 ballot for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 7; Peter R. Varney, Barbara Comtois, Paul A. Terry are sitting members, per the General Court's official member list (gc.nh.gov). This is a three-seat district: voters choose up to three candidates, and the top three finishers are elected. Nominees are each party's top finishers in the September 8, 2026 state primary, per the Secretary of State's town-by-town results; nomination-paper candidates are not yet included.
Full race pageNew Hampshire House, Belknap District 8Cameron Thompson (R) · Lisa M. Freeman (R) · Donald J. Giguere (D) · Don House (D)
Cameron Thompson Republican
Cameron Thompson is a Republican candidate for Belknap District 7 who lives in Sanbornton, per Citizens Count. He has not responded to the Citizens Count issue survey. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Secretary of State's primary results are the only verifiable source for Cameron Thompson.
Lisa M. Freeman Republican
- Supports the Education Freedom Account program
- Opposes an income tax, sales tax and capital gains tax
About Lisa M. Freeman
Lisa M. Freeman is the sitting state representative for Belknap District 8. She supports the state's Education Freedom Account program and opposes an income tax, sales tax or capital gains tax, per her Citizens Count survey answers. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Secretary of State's primary results are the only verifiable source for Lisa M. Freeman.
Donald J. Giguere Democratic
Donald J. Giguere is the Democratic nominee for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 8 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the New Hampshire Secretary of State's September 8, 2026 primary results. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Secretary of State's primary results are the only verifiable source for Donald J. Giguere.
Don House Democratic
- Opposes the Education Freedom Account program, saying it drains funds from public schools
- Supports capital gains and interest/dividends taxes on wealthy residents while opposing broad-based income and sales taxes
- Favors renewable energy expansion and increased net metering
Per the campaign site.
About Don House
Don House is a program manager who serves on the Town of Belmont Budget Committee, per Citizens Count. He holds an MBA from Clark University, an MS from Temple University and a BS in mathematics from Clarkson University, and lives in Belmont.
Cameron Thompson (Republican), Lisa M. Freeman (Republican), Donald J. Giguere (Democratic), Don House (Democratic) are on the November 3 ballot for New Hampshire House, Belknap District 8. This is a two-seat district: voters choose up to two candidates, and the top two finishers are elected. Not on the November ballot: Douglas Trottier, the sitting member for the district per the same list. Nominees are each party's top finishers in the September 8, 2026 state primary, per the Secretary of State's town-by-town results; nomination-paper candidates are not yet included.
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New Hampshire held its state primary on September 8, 2026: a plurality won each party's contest, undeclared voters could take either ballot, and unopposed filers advance to November 3, per the Secretary of State. Results are unofficial until certified.
Who is on the ballot in Belknap County, New Hampshire on November 3, 2026?
Belknap County sample ballot 2026: see where the county sheriff, county attorney and county treasurer candidates stand on schools, growth and taxes. Every candidate profile on this page names the official filing or campaign source it came from.
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Candidate roster last updated Sep 29, 2026 from official election sources.