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Incumbent
Awaiting response to our 2026 State Candidate Survey

Position on Issues

Voting Record, 2024

Southworth voted to consider repealing the Education Freedom Account program in 2022 (HB 1683). In 2023, Southworth also voted against two bills that would expand eligibility for the Education Freedom Account program (HB 367 and HB 464). In 2024 Rep. Southworth voted against several bills to expand eligibility for Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs), including HB 1561, HB 1634, HB 1665, and HB 1677. Southworth also voted for HB 1512, which would limit the EFA program to a budget.

Voting Record, 2026

Voted against several bills that would revise New Hampshire's anti-discrimination law to allow segregation based on biological sex in some settings, including HB 1217, HB 1299, HB 1442, HB 1447, SB 268, and SB 552.

Voting Record, 2023

Voted against HB 591, a bill that would prohibit a doctor from performing an abortion after detecting a fetal heartbeat.

Voting Record, 2016

Southworth voted against various abortion restrictions in 2016, including a bill to ban abortions after 20 weeks gestation (HB 1636).

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should NH add an income tax on earned income?

"A broad based income tax might be part of the mix, but the formula would need to be analyzed closely. Any new taxes should be considered in the context of relief for property tax payers."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?

"NH needs more revenue to address funding gaps in many critical areas such as education, health (including COVID and opioid), roads and bridges and other infrastructure projects. The property tax burden may impact businesses more than the business tax. Loopholes should be closed."

Voting Record, 2026

In 2024 Rep. Southworth voted for a few bills that would ease zoning requirements. For example, Southworth voted for HB 1291 (to increase rights of property owners to build accessory dwelling units), HB 1399 (to make it easier to convert single family residence into two units), and HB 1400 (to limit parking requirements, plus add tax credits for office conversions). 

In 2025 Rep. Southworth voted to limit parking requirements in zoning laws (SB 284) and voted to prohibit planning boards from differentiating based on the number of bedrooms in a residential development (SB 174).

In 2026 Rep. Southworth voted to keep the Housing Champion designation and grant program (HB 1196).

Voting Record, 2025

Voted to increase the maximum electric generating capacity to participate in net energy metering, from one to five megawatts (HB 523) and voted to consider other expansions to net metering eligibility (SB 228).

Voting Record, 2024

Voted for a constitutional right to abortion before 24 weeks (CACR 23).

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024

Do you support New Hampshire’s current system of public school funding, with about two-thirds of total funding coming from local property taxes?

"Against"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by allowing home-growing and private use without sales?

When asked about marijuana legalization in general on the 2020 Citizens Count issue survey, Southworth wrote, "I would like to learn more about the experiences in other states and unintended consequences that NH might face."

In 2020 he voted against HB 1648, a bill that would permit adults to possess up to 3/4 of an ounce of cannabis, 5 grams of hashish, and other cannabis-infused products, and permit adults to grow up to 6 cannabis plants at home in a secure location that is not visible from other properties. This bill also allowed adults to give marijuana products away and sell marijuana accessories.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by licensing growers and private retail locations?

When asked about marijuana legalization in general on the 2020 Citizens Count issue survey, Southworth wrote, "I would like to learn more about the experiences in other states and unintended consequences that NH might face."

In 2019 he voted against HB 481, a bill to legalize and tax marijuana for adults over age twenty-one. A Cannabis Control Commission, similar to the Liquor Commission, would be responsible for licensing and enforcement. The bill also allowed limited home-growing of marijuana for personal use.

Voting Record, 2022

Voted against a bill to legalize marijuana with the Liquor Commission regulating sales (HB 1598)

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire repeal the ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation?

When asked about a 24-week abortion ban on the Citizens Count issue survey, Southworth wrote, "Irregardless of my personal view, these decisions should always be made by the woman. Hopefully, she can access support from family, friends, and health care professionals."

Voting Record, 2026

Voted against capping how much local school districts can increase their budget year to year (HB 675) and voted against requiring a vote on a school district local tax cap at each general election (HB 1300)

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?

"I support reasonable gone safety measures that are in line with public opinion. Safety can be increased without undue effect on the majority of responsible gun owners."

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