Saying “So Long (for Now)” After 8 Years

As your outgoing state representative for Rockingham District 37 (Portsmouth, New Castle, and Newington), I want to thank you for allowing me to serve you during the 2025/2026 legislative session and for three previous legislative sessions.

While some may be surprised, I decided quite a while ago that this would be my last term in the legislature. Fortunately, a great candidate has stepped forward to succeed me. Kate Cook is a mom, a Portsmouth City Councilor, the chairman of our city’s Democratic Committee, and a dedicated leader who will be an absolutely fantastic state representative.

Stil…it wasn't an easy decision.

Over the past 8 years I’ve gotten to know many of my colleagues as role models, champions for critically important issues, and as dear friends. Through challenging times we’ve supported each other, bonded over shared passions, and found ways to help each other stay resilient and strong in the face of legislative defeats and often withering personal attacks. At the same time, I’ve gotten to know many of my neighbors better and it’s been a privilege to help those who have reached out to me when they’ve had an issue with state government.

Making my decision to leave even more difficult is the shear magnitude of unfinished business in Concord. After 6 years of unbroken Republican control of the governor’s office, the executive council, and both chambers of the legislature, there is an incredible amount of work to be done to repair the damage that’s been done to our state, our people, and our future.

The good news is that the colleagues I leave behind and the ones that will come after me have more than enough commitment, knowledge, and leadership skills to get our state moving in the right direction again should voters in November put Dems in charge of the State House.

While I will no longer have a direct role in the legislative process, I plan to stay involved and engaged as a citizen and will continue to write and occasionally annoy you all with my op-eds in Seacoast Online.

Thank you people of Portsmouth, New Castle, and Newington!