David H. Watters
Candidate for State Senator, 4th District
Background
- Occupation
- Professor of English, University of New Hampshire; state senator
- Lives in
- Dover
- Campaign website
- davidwattersforsenate.org
A Dover Democrat serving his sixth state Senate term, after serving as a state representative from 2009 to 2012. He is a professor of English at the University of New Hampshire.
Documented positions
Taxes & budget
Opposes adding a state income tax on earned income.
Answered "Against" on Citizens Count's 2026 issue survey: "Should NH add an income tax on earned income?"
ReportCitizens Count: David H. Watters profileCandidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“As a senator serving on the Finance Committee, I know that we can set priorities to better fund education, healthcare, housing, and childcare instead of”
Public safety
Supports passing stricter state gun control laws.
Answered "For" on Citizens Count's 2026 issue survey: "Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?"
ReportCitizens Count: David H. Watters profileCandidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“Common sense safety legislation, such as background checks, red flag laws, and suicide prevention education.”
Education
Opposes the Education Freedom Account program.
Answered "Against" on Citizens Count's 2026 issue survey: "Do you support the “Education Freedom Account” program, which gives students access to the per-pupil share of state school funding to spend on private school or home school expenses?"
ReportCitizens Count: David H. Watters profileCandidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“Do you support the "Education Freedom Account" program, which gives students access to the per-pupil share of state school funding to spend on private school”
Housing
Supports state push to ease local zoning for housing.
Answered "For" on Citizens Count's 2026 issue survey: "Should the state do more to encourage municipalities to remove zoning barriers to housing development?"
ReportCitizens Count: David H. Watters profileCandidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“We have made some good progress on housing, while municipalities still have appropriate control.”
Health & human services
Supports guaranteeing a right to abortion before 24 weeks.
Answered "For" on Citizens Count's 2026 issue survey: "Should New Hampshire guarantee the right to access abortion before 24 weeks?"
ReportCitizens Count: David H. Watters profileCandidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“Should New Hampshire guarantee the right to access abortion before 24 weeks?”
Government & transparency
Opposes requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote.
Answered "Against" on Citizens Count's 2026 issue survey: "Should New Hampshire require new voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, when registering to vote?"
ReportCitizens Count: David H. Watters profileCandidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“NH already requires such proof; the new requirements, which may prohibit citizens, seniors, and married women from voting are designed to suppress voting.”
All sources (4)
- 2026 State General Election Candidate List
Election filing · New Hampshire Secretary of State · mm.nh.gov
- 2026 State General Election Candidate List (Strafford County offices and districts)
Election filing · New Hampshire Secretary of State · mm.nh.gov
- New Hampshire Senate: District 4 senator biography
Government record · New Hampshire General Court · gc.nh.gov
- Citizens Count: David H. Watters profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.