Hillsborough District 28 includes Weare.
Four candidates are on the ballot for two seats. Republican incumbents Travis Corcoran and Keith Erf face Democratic challengers David Erikson and Benson Goodwin. Corcoran and Erf did not respond to the Monitor’s survey.
David Erikson
Party affiliation: Democrat
What town/city do you live in? Weare
Political experience: I ran in 2022 and 2024. Town boards as detailed below.
Professional experience: I taught Tech. Ed. Social Studies and Science in public middle schools and was a carpenter and repairer.
Community service experience: I am the current chair of the Weare Energy Commission which secured a grant for solar on our Safety Complex. I serve on the Joseph Stone Fund and served on the Planning Board. I am a longtime volunteer for the local Land Conservancy.
Policy Positions
Should NH legalize recreational marijuana use and possession? Yes
What is the No. 1 action the Legislature should take to address the housing shortage? The state should reinstate its recently defunded afordable housing funding. I also advocate for subsidizing small-scale subsidies for single apartments tied to affordable rent.
How involved should NH government and law enforcement be in immigration enforcement? NH law enforcement should only contact federal immigration officials when an undocumented person commits a crime.
To what extent should NH restrict abortion, if at all? Abortion should be a decision between a woman and her health care providers who should perform abortions as early as possible and in accordance with safe medical practices. The option above leaves the possibility of legalizing abortions by untrained people.
What is one law currently on the books in NH that you would repeal, and why? Education Freedom Accounts with the exception detailed below.
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 advocate reinstating the interest and dividends tax for large investments and returning the business profits tax to the 2015 level. I would cut all EFA spending except carefully accounted for home school expenses.
As people across the state struggle with their local school tax bills, what role should the state play in funding education? The Statewide Education Property Tax should be expanded so funding of a public school education is at or above a realistic adequate amount statewide.
Aside from those mentioned above, what do you believe is the biggest issue facing the state today? Our energy policy needs to promote clean renewable energy production.
Find more information at the candidate’s website: https://wearenhdemocrats.org
Benson Goodwin
Party affiliation: Democrat
What town/city do you live in? Weare
Political experience: Currently I’m a Selectman in Weare.
Professional experience: I was a volunteer firefighter and EMT from 1989 to 1997 and an emergency dispatcher from 1998 to 2025. I have operated a handyman business since 2019. I was also the Weare Animal Control Officer for a couple of years. I’m also currently a bail commissioner with the NH Judicial Branch.
Community service experience: I have volunteered with NH MDA and Granite State Ambassadors. I am a former Rotarian. I also donate blood every eight weeks to the Red Cross.
Policy Positions
Should NH legalize recreational marijuana use and possession? Yes
What is the No. 1 action the Legislature should take to address the housing shortage? I believe towns should maintain control over their own zoning, planning and development. The state can help by offering grants so qualifying homeowners can get help building accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
How involved should NH government and law enforcement be in immigration enforcement? In Weare, the chief of police signed a 287g agreement with ICE. As a selectman, I had concerns that I brought to him. I was assured that Weare PD would not target, hunt or profile people to assist ICE. Our local officers are trained by ICE. For this, the department gets money. If this basic model is followed, I have no problem accepting money from ICE. If it becomes more intrusive, that would be a problem.
To what extent should NH restrict abortion, if at all? I don’t believe the government has any business becoming involved with a woman’s healthcare. Full stop. Abortion IS healthcare and a deeply personal decision between a woman, her doctor and or her partner. The state has no role, and therefore should not impose one.
What is one law currently on the books in NH that you would repeal, and why? Implementing a work requirement for Medicaid recipients places an unfair burden on senior citizens, the disabled and others, and should be reversed. Medicare reforms may be needed, and that can be debated, but pushing work requirements on those not actually able to work is punitive and cruel.
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. First let me be very clear; I will never vote for a sales or income tax for NH. We should legalize marijuana for recreational use and stop exporting those tax dollars to surrounding states.
As people across the state struggle with their local school tax bills, what role should the state play in funding education? The state needs to follow the Claremont decision, pay towns what has been adjudicated and stop funding EFAs.
Aside from those mentioned above, what do you believe is the biggest issue facing the state today? Housing costs are out of control. We need more inventory to lower them. Low- or mid-income housing development needs to be encouraged, either with subsidies or tax breaks.
Find more information at the candidate’s website: facebook.com/bensongoodwin