LACONIA — Four Democrats and four Republicans are battling for four seats that represent Laconia wards in the New Hampshire General Court, with candidates saying housing, affordability and property taxes are the dominant concerns they hear on the campaign trail.
Who’s running and what they say
The contest covers Belknap County House districts that include Laconia Wards 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Democrats highlighted in campaign materials include Marcia Hayward, a retired Laconia High School science teacher and former Belmont High School principal, who is running in Belknap 5.
“I have a long history of demonstrating leadership and collaboration in my professional and personal life, and I believe those skills are needed in Concord,” Hayward said.
Hayward, a Laconia native and chair of the city’s zoning board of adjustment, said public education funding is a top issue and that she has been campaigning by door-knocking, writing letters to the editor and attending meet-and-greets.
Ward 3 City Councilor Eric Hoffman stepped onto the Democratic ticket after the death of state Rep. Charlie St. Clair. Hoffman said his campaign is locally focused and funded by residents only.
“You may have seen people holding signs for the Democratic candidates some mornings downtown. That’s us. My campaign takes no corporate PAC money, no support from out-of-state extremist organizations, and uses no social media. I’m locally focused, funded by local residents, and that’s who I work for,” Hoffman said.
Campaign themes and next steps
Candidates across parties told the Laconia Daily Sun they have heard concerns about the housing crisis, affordability and funding for public schools. The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Campaign events cited in local notices include meet-and-greets and forums organized by community groups such as Citizens for Belknap.
- Number of candidates: 8 (4 Democrats, 4 Republicans) competing for 4 seats
- Top issues reported by candidates: housing, affordability, property taxes, public education funding
- Election date: Nov. 3
Voters in the affected wards will choose up to four representatives to serve in the state House. Results will be certified by local election officials after polls close and ballots are canvassed under the Secretary of State’s procedures.
