New Hampshire’s primary election on Tuesday saw many incumbents and well-known names clinch notable victories. As you look ahead to the general election in November, revisit the winners of each race and their platforms below.
Executive Council
In District 2, Tobin Menard secured the Republican nomination over Kim Strathdee. Menard tran twice for state representative in Sullivan County and lost both times. He also ran for the District 1 Executive Council seat in 2018 as a Libertarian.
The Newport resident said his focus is on funding roads, bridges and similar infrastructure in the less-populated western part of New Hampshire. He understands the influence the Executive Council has on the state and wants to bring “small-town values” to his position.
Incumbent John Stephen beat out Terese Bastarache and Harriet Cady in District 4. The Manchester resident has two years on the Council under his belt and has worked in several other state agencies in his career.
Stephen said he keeps the taxpayer in mind when considering contracts and will not sign on to anything he deems unnecessary. He’s helped bolster PFAS monitoring and water remediation and fought staunchly against emissions testing.
State Senate
Howard Pearl won the Republican nomination over Julie Smith in the race to represent District 17, which spans a dozen towns east of Concord. He has over a decade of experience in both chambers of the State House.
Pearl said he wants to continue focusing on agricultural issues and the state’s professional licensing system, as he runs a local wholesale produce farm. He is also in support of overhauling the state’s zoning for housing, although he wants to balance an interest in alleviating the constrained housing market with small-town autonomy.
County Sheriff
Frank Cassidy won the Republican nomination for Merrimack County Attorney, beating out Jason Gerhard and Ben Weir. In 2024, Cassidy ran against David Croft, who did not seek reelection this year, but lost by four percentage points.
Cassidy served in the sheriff’s office for 21 years and was an undercover drug officer in the department under Croft before resigning. He said a strict approach, along with treatment options, could make the office more effective.
County Attorney
As of 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the results for Merrimack County Attorney had not been finalized. Vying for the position were Meg Hagaman, Jon Raiche and Sarah Rogers.
Scott Maltzie, the chairman of the New Hampshire Republican State Committee, said he expected the race to be very close between all three candidates.
