Four Democrats from Hanover are running unopposed on Tuesday, Nov. 3, for the four New Hampshire House seats in Grafton 12, which covers Hanover and Lyme: state Reps. Mary Hakken-Phillips, Russell Muirhead, Ellen Rockmore and Terry Spahr.
The Valley News sent a survey to all four candidates about their experience, why they are running and what they see as the biggest issue facing the state. Their answers, edited lightly for style, appear below.
Their answers center on public education and affordability. Muirhead also names fair elections as a focus.
MARY HAKKEN-PHILLIPS
Democrat · NH House Grafton 12
45, Democrat, Hanover
Political experience: State representative, 2020-2026; Hanover/Lyme Democrats vice chair, 2023-2026; Upper Valley Democrats chair, 2023-2026; DVCC finance chair, 2025-2026.
Professional experience: Attorney, 2017-present. Prior to her legal career, Mary worked in banking and finance, 2008-2014.
Community service: Hanover Finance Committee, 2018-2021; Cover Home Repair, 2019-2023; Montshire Corp., 2022-present.
Why are you running? I believe more highly qualified, socially progressive women like me should be represented in government. I am running for reelection to ensure New Hampshire works for all Granite Staters.
Biggest issue: Republicans created an affordability crisis: from high property taxes to rising household costs and increased child care, energy, healthcare and housing prices. Elect Democrats to prioritize property tax relief, energy rate caps, and investments in child care, education, healthcare and housing.
Online: Facebook: mary.hakkenphillips.1; Instagram and Bluesky: @mhp4nhrep
RUSSELL MUIRHEAD
Democrat · NH House Grafton 12
60, Democrat, Hanover
Political experience: New Hampshire House, 2020-2026.
Professional experience: Teacher, Department of Government, Dartmouth College.
Community service: Volunteering in youth sports and land conservation.
Why are you running? Ensuring free and fair elections, with nonpartisan election administration and equal access to the ballot, is at the center of my focus.
Biggest issue: Public education, affordability, fair elections, renewable energy, civility.
ELLEN ROCKMORE
Democrat · NH House Grafton 12
59, Democrat, Hanover
Political experience: One term in the New Hampshire House of Representatives.
Professional experience: Lecturer, Dartmouth College.
Community service: I have served on the boards of directors of several local nonprofits.
Why are you running? To stand up for public education, reproductive freedom and competent government.
Biggest issue: The biggest issue facing the state is the defunding of public education. The state must end its subsidies to private schools and home schools and must pay its fair share of public education.
TERRY SPAHR
Democrat · NH House Grafton 12
60, Democrat, Hanover
Political experience: One term in the State House and Grafton County.
Professional experience: Insurance, investment, real estate, management and executive leadership; filmmaker; executive director.
Community service: UV Seed Savers; Listen; Federal Fiscal Sustainability Foundation; Collaborative Solid Waste Strategies.
Why are you running? I love the Upper Valley and all of New Hampshire and want to use my knowledge and experience to protect and preserve the qualities of life we cherish living here in Hanover, Lyme, Grafton County and the entire state.
Biggest issue: Our overall quality of life in the areas of safety, health, education and affordability for every resident.
Online: spahr4nh.org
| CANDIDATES: STILL WANT TO BE INCLUDED? If you are running for office in the Upper Valley and have not received the Valley News candidate questionnaire, contact Managing Editor Allison Rogers at arogers@vnews.com or 603-727-3220, or Deputy Editor Molly Hughes at mhughes@vnews.com or 603-727-3213. |