The Gist
State Representative, Strafford 5

William F. Fessenden

Candidate for State Representative, Strafford 5

Democratic/Independent

Background

Lives in
Rochester
Campaign website
fessendenfornh.net

William F. Fessenden is a Democratic/Independent candidate from Rochester. On a Citizens Count profile, the candidate lists this experience: Higher Education; Information Technology; Ocean Mapping; education: BA, University of NH.

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Documented positions

Taxes & budget

  • Opposes adding a state income tax on earned income

    Answered "Against" on the Citizens Count 2026 issue survey question: "Should NH add an income tax on earned income?"

    Citizens Count: William F. Fessenden

    Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org

    “Should NH add an income tax on earned income? "Against"”
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  • Supports reinstating the interest and dividends tax

    Answered "For" on the Citizens Count 2026 issue survey question: "Should New Hampshire reinstate the interest and dividends tax?" Written answer: “Eliminating NH's interest/dividends tax disproportionately benefited the wealthiest households in the state, as these are taxes are applied to assets, not wages.”

    Citizens Count: William F. Fessenden

    Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org

    “Interest and Dividends tax For”
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Public safety

  • Opposes stricter gun control laws

    Answered "Against" on the Citizens Count 2026 issue survey question: "Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?" Written answer: “In a state that continues to have some of the lowest gun violence in the US, I do not see it as a priority.”

    Citizens Count: William F. Fessenden

    Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org

    “Stricter gun laws Against”
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Education

  • Opposes a state cap on school budget increases

    Answered "Against" on the Citizens Count 2026 issue survey question: "Should state law cap how much local school districts can increase their budget each year?" Written answer: “Not unless the state is prepared to meet funding adequacy requirements for municipalities as directed by the NHSC. Which, this past session of the Legislature proved that they are unwilling.”

    Citizens Count: William F. Fessenden

    Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org

    “School district tax cap mandate Against”
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Housing

  • Supports state efforts to ease local zoning for housing

    Answered "For" on the Citizens Count 2026 issue survey question: "Should the state do more to encourage municipalities to remove zoning barriers to housing development?" Written answer: “Rentals continue to be unaffordable for many, home buying to even more. If the market cannot self-correct, then steps should be made by public institutions to improve the situation.”

    Citizens Count: William F. Fessenden

    Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org

    “Encourage local zoning changes for housing development For”
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Health & human services

  • Supports guaranteeing abortion access before 24 weeks

    Answered "For" on the Citizens Count 2026 issue survey question: "Should New Hampshire guarantee the right to access abortion before 24 weeks?"

    Citizens Count: William F. Fessenden

    Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org

    “Should New Hampshire guarantee the right to access abortion before 24 weeks? "For"”
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Government & transparency

  • Opposes requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote

    Answered "Against" on the Citizens Count 2026 issue survey question: "Should New Hampshire require new voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, when registering to vote?" Written answer: “It already *is* a requirement, except in cases where the documents cannot be produced - in those cases, a registrant may sign an affidavit claiming citizenship.”

    Citizens Count: William F. Fessenden

    Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org

    “Proof of citizenship for newly registered voters Against”
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All sources (3)

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.

William F. Fessenden for State Representative, Strafford 5, New Hampshire · The Gist