State

State Representative, Hillsborough 18

Vote for: 2
Term: 2 years
Candidates: 3
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: A state representative votes on New Hampshire laws and the state budget in the 400-member House of Representatives.

Candidates Compare by issue

James Normand

Democratic

Business owner · Manchester

The gist

Opposes allowing sex-based separation under anti-discrimination law.
Opposes adding a state income tax on earned income.
Opposes lowering New Hampshire business taxes.
Supports restoring funding for the Office of the Child Advocate.
Opposes school funding relying mostly on local property taxes.
Opposes requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote.

More about James

View sources (1)

Opposes allowing sex-based separation under anti-discrimination law.
Citizens Count: James Normand profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“Up to the school districts to handle. A local home rule issue.”
Opposes adding a state income tax on earned income.
Citizens Count: James Normand profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“Stop decreasing business taxes while underfunding public schools”
Opposes lowering New Hampshire business taxes.
Citizens Count: James Normand profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“We need thte revenue to balance budget.”
Supports restoring funding for the Office of the Child Advocate.
Citizens Count: James Normand profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“Unless the task is already covered in another department.”
Opposes school funding relying mostly on local property taxes.
Citizens Count: James Normand profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“NH state should support public school and abide by NH Constitution.”
Opposes requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote.
Citizens Count: James Normand profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“This seems to be a scheme to frighten people from lawfully registering.”

Jessica Grill

DemocraticIncumbent

Media supervisor · Manchester

The gist

Opposes allowing sex-based separation under anti-discrimination law.
Supports requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote.

More about Jessica

View sources (1)

Opposes allowing sex-based separation under anti-discrimination law.
Citizens Count: Jessica Grill profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“This proposed legislation has been vetoed multiple times by Governors Sununu and Ayotte, and not only has the potential for harmful overreach, but would be”
Supports requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote.
Citizens Count: Jessica Grill profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“Proof of citizenship has long been a requirement for voter registration and this requirement should be kept in place.”

Steven Kesselring

RepublicanIncumbent

Small business owner · Manchester

The gist

Opposes adding a broad-based state sales tax.
Opposes raising New Hampshire's minimum wage.
Voted for bills allowing sex-based separation in some settings.In office
Voted for statewide public school open enrollment.In office
Voted to cap annual school district budget increases.In office

In office = from the candidate's own official statements or legislation as an officeholder, not their campaign.

More about Steven

View sources (1)

Opposes adding a broad-based state sales tax.
Citizens Count: Steven Kesselring profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“A sales tax would not only hinder New Hampshire's advantage but also be a poor choice for our state.”
Opposes raising New Hampshire's minimum wage.
Citizens Count: Steven Kesselring profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“Consider states that have significantly raised their minimum wage; all you see is a corresponding rise in prices across the board.”
Voted for bills allowing sex-based separation in some settings.
Citizens Count: Steven Kesselring profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“Voted for several bills that would revise New Hampshire's anti-discrimination law to allow segregation based on biological sex in some settings, including HB 1217 ”
Voted for statewide public school open enrollment.
Citizens Count: Steven Kesselring profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“Voted for open enrollment, allowing parents to enroll their children in any public school in the state”
Voted to cap annual school district budget increases.
Citizens Count: Steven Kesselring profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“Voted to cap how much local school districts can increase their budget year to year”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 5 issues covered in this race.