State

State Senator, 17th District

Vote for: 1
Term: 2 years
Candidates: 2
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: A state senator votes on New Hampshire laws and the state budget.

Candidates Compare by issue

Robert Lawliss

Democratic

Retired software engineer · Pembroke

The gist

Opposes the Education Freedom Account program.
Supports state push to ease local zoning for housing.
Opposes requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote.
Opposes passing stricter state gun control laws.
Supports guaranteeing a right to abortion before 24 weeks.
Supports restoring funding for the Office of the Child Advocate.

More about Robert

View sources (1)

Opposes the Education Freedom Account program.
Citizens Count: Robert Lawliss profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“This is a bad idea, public funds for public education”
Supports state push to ease local zoning for housing.
Citizens Count: Robert Lawliss profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“For affordable housing! Not for speculators wanting to build very expensive homes”
Opposes requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote.
Citizens Count: Robert Lawliss profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“Driver license or official school, militry etc. IDs should be sufficent”
Opposes passing stricter state gun control laws.
Citizens Count: Robert Lawliss profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“Depends on what is being proposed. For stiffer penalties and enforcement on straw purchases, failure to secure, failure to report stolen guns.”
Supports guaranteeing a right to abortion before 24 weeks.
Citizens Count: Robert Lawliss profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“Late stage abortions (24 weeks) need to be an option for the health of all mothers”
Supports restoring funding for the Office of the Child Advocate.
Citizens Count: Robert Lawliss profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“To protect the most vulnerable from falling through gaping cracks in the system”

Howard Pearl

RepublicanIncumbent

Farmer; state senator · Loudon

The gist

Supports the Education Freedom Account program.
Opposes adding a state income tax on earned income.
Supports state push to ease local zoning for housing.
Opposes passing stricter state gun control laws.
Opposes guaranteeing a right to abortion before 24 weeks.
Opposes raising New Hampshire's minimum wage.

More about Howard

View sources (1)

Supports the Education Freedom Account program.
Citizens Count: Howard Pearl profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“Parents should be able to access the funds that come out of their own pocket for education for what they believe is the best way”
Opposes adding a state income tax on earned income.
Citizens Count: Howard Pearl profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“Should NH add an income tax on earned income?”
Supports state push to ease local zoning for housing.
Citizens Count: Howard Pearl profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“New Hampshire has a housing shortage and all local government leaders should work together to determine how to adjust regulations to allow for smart and”
Opposes passing stricter state gun control laws.
Citizens Count: Howard Pearl profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?”
Opposes guaranteeing a right to abortion before 24 weeks.
Citizens Count: Howard Pearl profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“I support New Hampshire's current law which bans the abhorrent practice of late term abortions.”
Opposes raising New Hampshire's minimum wage.
Citizens Count: Howard Pearl profile
Candidate questionnaire · Citizens Count · citizenscount.org
“Should New Hampshire raise the minimum wage?”

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; 7 issues covered in this race.