Nelson, Cheshire County, NH
Nelson Town Hall
7 Nelson Common Rd
Nelson, NH 03457
United States
7 Nelson Common Rd
Nelson, NH 03457
United States
US President
NH Governor
US Senate (2 seats)
US House NH District 2
NH Executive Council District 2
NH Senate District 10
NH House Cheshire 08
NH House Cheshire 16 (Floterial)
2026 NH Gubernatorial Primary
Voting Date:
Democrat
Executive Councilor, District 2 (2020 - 2024); 40 years of health care experience in laboratory medicine, hospital managerial positions, and health care regulatory law
Former Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington announced she is running for New Hampshire Governor again in 2026. She also ran against Democrat Joyce Craig in the 2024 gubernatorial primary. Warmington describes herself as a lifelong health care advocate and served as partner at the Shaheen & Gordon law firm before running for office. Her website announcement says she will "tackle the affordability crisis" and "stand up to Donald Trump."
Independent/Other
Chair, Wilton Planning Board
John Horsley is gathering signatures to appear on the ballot as an independent candidate for governor.
Everett Howard is gathering signatures to appear on the ballot as an independent candidate for governor.
Newmarket Town Council; Zoning Board of Adjustment; small business owner
After losing the Democratic primary for governor in 2024, Jonathan Kiper launched a 2026 campaign as an independent candidate. In September 2025 Kiper wrote, "I'm running for governor to address the three most pressing issues in our state which are: unsustainable property tax increases, a lack of affordable housing and the unconstitutional system of funding public education which sees the poorest towns in our state, paying the most and the rich paying the least towards public education." In 2026 he announced was running under the banner of the newly-formed Community First Party.
Software developer
Stephen Villee is gathering signatures to appear on the ballot as an independent candidate for governor.
Republican
Governor of NH (2025 - present); Senator, US Senate (2011 - 2016); NH Attorney General (2004 - 2009)
Kelly Ayotte has vowed to keep New Hampshire on the "Sununu path." Like former Governor Chris Sununu, she has bucked her party on some hot issues. For example, she vetoed a bill that would have allowed some spaces to segregate based on biological sex (HB 148). That independent streak makes her more appealing to voters in the middle, and so far no Republicans are challenging her reelection. She has also focused on law-and-order issues in her first year as governor, tightening bail laws and restoring retirement benefits to law enforcement.
"Agriculture Historical Restoration"
Shaun Fife also ran for governor in 2024. His website advocates for "The Lord as our Cornerstone" and states, "When your Constitution's foundation is resting on the Bible, you can stand tall."
Robert Wayne McClory is a lesser-known candidate who also ran for governor in 2024.
2026 US Senate Primary
Voting Date:
Democrat
David Jarvis is a lesser-known candidate running for U.S. Senate in New Hampshire.
Medical scientist; nonprofit leader
Karishma Manzur made a splash when she announced a challenge from the left for Democrat Pappas, who has represented New Hampshire in Washington since 2018. On her website Manzur proclaims, "As the first female PhD scientist ever elected to the U.S. Senate, Karishma will bring scientific leadership to strengthen our economy, protect public health, and keep America at the forefront of medical research."
Representative, U.S. House of Representatives (2018 - present); Executive Councilor (2012 - 2018); Representative, NH House of Representatives (2002 - 2006); Co-Owner, Puritan Backroom Restaurant; Treasurer, Hillsborough County
Chris Pappas has served as a U.S. Representative since 2018 and previously served on New Hampshire’s Executive Council. (His family is also known for their world-famous chicken tenders at the Puritan Backroom Restaurant in Manchester.) In Congress, Pappas has positioned himself as a moderate, occasionally breaking with his party on high-profile votes such as the Laken Riley Act and the Middle Class Borrower Protection Act. In 2024, Pappas won reelection to the U.S. House. He is now seeking to move up to the U.S. Senate in 2026.
Bench scientist (~9 Years); financial technology / digital privacy (~5 years)
Maxwell Saal writes on his website, "We need less blowhards on Capitol Hill. We need more Bikers. I stand for opportunity for all Americans. I stand for regulations that make sense in the modern world. I stand for the belief that America is capable of more than sitting back and rotting while the oligarchy loots our financial system and squeezes every cent it can from the working class. You can stand right there with me. Let's Ride."
"self-employed finish carpentry and social services working with court referred criminals, children, teens, families."
John Vail is a lesser-known candidate in New Hampshire. He writes on his website, "What not who is the point. . . . as I’ve said. Nothing else. The point is to reclaim our government out of the hands of wealthy elites and the corporations they control. So everything here aims to propel enough of us into actions that head that way. It is a direct, non-violent approach to putting the citizenry in charge of government and creating a legacy those who follow deserve."
Independent/Other
Tim Harris is gathering signatures to appear on the ballot as an independent candidate for U.S. Senate.
Christine Lopez is gathering signatures to appear on the ballot as an independent candidate for U.S. Senate.
Jeanne Logan Morrow is gathering signatures to appear on the ballot as an independent candidate for U.S. Senate.
Republican
Package handler; webmaster of RonPaulQuotes.com
Tom Alciere announces six clear priorities on his website: "Open the borders, Legalize all drugs, Abolish public school, Abolish zoning, Repeal all the other unjust laws and discontinue all the unjust practices."
U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa (2017–2020): Appointed by President Trump, represented U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
U.S. Army National Guard (1979–2014): Retiring as Colonel in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG); received the Legion of Merit and other honors; focused on veterans’ issues throughout his career.
U.S. Senator, Massachusetts (2010–2013): Won a landmark special election defeating Democrat Martha Coakley. Fought for lower taxes, reduced government spending, and pro-growth policies, served on Armed Services, Veterans’ Affairs, and Homeland Security committees.
Massachusetts State Senator (2004–2010): Represented Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District; championed consumer protection, public safety, and veterans’ issues as a conservative voice in a liberal legislature
Massachusetts State Representative (1998–2004): Served three terms in the Massachusetts House, advocating for limited government and common-sense conservative solutions.
Local Office: Property Assessor and Board of Selectman in Wrentham, MA.
Scott Brown, a former U.S. Senator from Massachusetts and U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand, is mounting a political comeback in New Hampshire. “I’m running for the United States Senate to restore common sense, keep our border secure, and fight for our New Hampshire values,” Brown said. He previously ran for Senate in New Hampshire in 2014 but lost to Jeanne Shaheen.
Former Commissioned Military Officer; Private Sector Employment; Community Volunteer
Sky Danley announced his campaign in Portsmouth and referenced the Declaration of Independence. He wrote in his announcement, "I am running in this contest as a ‘rebirth’ republican, meaning my core beliefs are those that align with the birth of the republican party, namely, standing firm with the Constitution, not with the defiled, cultist, selfishly corrupt party beliefs that now drag this country into darkness."
United States Senator asst.; Global corporate management consulting
Andy Martin has run for office several times in New Hampshire. In 2024 he wrote to Citizens Count, "In the current polarized environment, which I would like to change, people attack others they disagree with, and support those they agree with. It is not easy to be in the public arena. But I have survived for half a century. And I’m still making deals (Right to Know agreements) that change the face of elections in New Hampshire! Not a bad accomplishment!"
Law research
Mary Maxwell is a lesser-known candidate for U.S. Senate in New Hampshire.
Richard McMenamon is a lesser-known candidate who has also run for governor of New Hampshire.
Sabrina Ann Smith is a lesser-known candidate for U.S. Senate in New Hampshire.
Representative, U.S. House of Representatives (1997 - 2003); Senator, U.S. Senate (2003 - 2009)
John E. Sununu, a former Republican U.S. Senator and three-term congressman, hopes to win back the Senate seat he once held. First elected to the Senate in 2002 after defeating then-Gov. Jeanne Shaheen, he later lost to her in their 2008 rematch. In launching his 2026 campaign, Sununu said Congress has become “loud, dysfunctional, even angry,” and that he wants to “help calm the waters.” After nearly two decades in the private sector, Sununu is emphasizing civility, fiscal discipline, and practical problem-solving as he seeks to re-enter public service.
2026 US House Primary
Voting Date:
District 2
Democrat
Representative, NH House of Representatives (2023 - present); registered Nurse with a focus on Women's and Maternal Child Health, Mental Health and Health Equity
Paige Beauchemin is a state representative challenging incumbent Goodlander from the left. She told WMUR, "I like to think of it as me running for Congress as opposed to running against someone. But of course, that's the reality. What I would say is, you know, regardless of how we feel about millionaires, only 2% of Congress are working people. And I think the millionaires are well-represented already. I think it's time for working-class people to be represented."
Representative, U.S. House of Representatives (2025 - present); Deputy Assistant Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice (2022 - present); Adjunct Professor of Constitutional Law and Administrative Law, UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law (2019 - 2021); Law Clerk to Justice Stephen Breyer (2017 - 2018); Law Clerk to Chief Judge Merrick Garland (2016 - 2017); Senior Advisor to Senator John McCain (2013); Speechwriter & Foreign Policy Advisor to Senator Joseph Lieberman (2009 - 2012)
Maggie Goodlander is a former Deputy Assistant Attorney General and speechwriter for the late Sen. Joe Lieberman. She won her race for the 2nd Congressional District in 2024 and is seeking the seat again in 2026. Goodlander is married to Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor under President Biden. As a congressperson, she has been active on cost of living issues, launching the bipartisan "Lowering Costs" caucus.
Independent/Other
Scott Black is an independent who also ran for Congress in 2022. His website simply states, "Scotty Black has been part of this community for many years, working tirelessly to make it a better place."
Automotive technician (40 years); U.S. Marine Corps veteran
Edmond Laplante also ran for U.S. Senate in 2022. He said his experience as a mechanic informs how he views the U.S. Constitution: "The Constitution is not a tool for politicians to 'fix' society, nor a shortcut to impose new ideas. It is a set of restraints - written to limit power, define jurisdiction, and protect the people from those who govern. When government follows it faithfully, things tend to work. When it ignores it, no amount of experience or good intentions can prevent damage."
"Every job I have ever had put me in the corner of people the system overlooked. Loan officer during the 2008 crash. Hollywood producer fighting for talent against long odds. Founder of RoadHouse, a trading community built for people who were never invited to the table. Running RoadHouse changed something for me. Watching everyday people try to build financial security while monetary policy and Wall Street moved in ways most Americans never saw or understood made the divide impossible to ignore. Money determines policy. Policy determines opportunity. And for most people in places like western New Hampshire, neither one has ever worked in their favor. That realization brought me here. Most recently, I joined the board of a struggling food co-op, redesigned the model from the ground up, helped secure funding, and launched a pilot program that actually worked.
"My goal is to deliver accountability to the people of NH-02 that holds the federal government to a standard the founding fathers would have endorsed. The path we are on is not sustainable. The promises made to working families in western New Hampshire have been broken for decades by both parties. I am not here to join that system. I am here to change it. My only priority is to deliver on what has been promised and ignored for too long. The people of NH-02 deserve nothing less."
Robbie Mahrou is an independent running for the U.S. House of Representatives. On his website he wrote, "I'm running for Congress in NH-02 because the families of western New Hampshire have been left behind. For too long, Washington D.C. has ignored the real struggles here, skyrocketing housing costs, closing rural hospitals, family farms being squeezed out, and a cost of living that leaves a typical family of four nearly $1,900 in the red every year just covering the basics. Both parties had their chance. Both failed us."
Sterling Thomas Sykes is a lesser-known candidate for Congress, gathering signatures to appear on the ballot as an independent candidate. He also ran in 2024.
Republican
Candidate, U.S. House of Representatives (2006, 2016, 2018); Candidate, NH House of Representatives (2012, 2014); candidate, U.S. President (2004); Sole Proprietor, Stone Works (1972 - present); independent scholar of NH history
Michael Anthony Callis has run for Congress a few times in New Hampshire. In January he wrote on Facebook, "The White House has published an official government website that glorifies the cop beaters on January 6. The Old Man of New Hampshire granite is no longer a witness of a country in peril. Everything about Trump can be found in the new January 6 Trump white house glorification of convicted felons and the Epstein files. If the reader feels alarmed and helpless then register to vote in the Republican primary while you still can."
Former small business owner; business management in construction and manufacturing
Dan Nicholson is a lesser-known candidate for U.S. Representative. On his website he wrote, "In the current Congress, roughly 20 members were both born and raised in foreign countries. While the Constitution allows this, it raises concerns for me about whether every member fully understands the lived experiences, values, and priorities of American communities. I believe New Hampshire deserves representation that is deeply rooted in our state and firmly grounded in the American experience."
"Construction trades professional and small business owner with years of hands-on experience in the roofing and construction industries. Started working in the trades as a sixth-grader, worked full-time through high school and college to pay his own way, and built a successful roofing company that serves families and communities across New Hampshire. Dedicated husband and father of three, bringing practical, real-world problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of working families’ challenges to everything he does."
Victor Orlando, a business owner who lives in Hollis, pledges to bring his blue collar roots to Congress. On his website he states, "Unlike some politicians who reside outside their districts or send their children to elite private schools, I am grounded in the same realities as my neighbors." His YouTube page offers many videos breaking down his issue positions.
Lily Tang Williams is a Republican candidate and vocal critic of communism who fled China for the United States. This marks her third bid for New Hampshire’s 2nd District House seat, having run in 2022 and 2024. Williams says of her candidacy: "I want to give back to the country I love, fight to keep American Dream alive and serve the people in NH-02 with integrity, compassion and transparency."
2026 NH Executive Council Primary
Voting Date:
District 2
Democrat
Councilor, Executive Council (inauguration January 2025); Lebanon City Councilor and Former Mayor; Grafton County Treasurer
Independent/Other
Republican
U.S. Air Force (1998 - 2008); retail; manufacturing industry; member, Newport Historic Society; treasurer, Upper Valley Libertarians
2026 NH Senate Primary
Voting Date:
District 10
Democrat
Senator, NH Senate (2022 - present); Representative, NH House of Representatives (2016 - present); Sales Coordinator, Fenton Family Dealerships; Board Member, The Community Kitchen; Volunteer, Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention (MCVP)
2026 NH House Primary
Voting Date:
Cheshire County District 8
Democrat
Service Coordinator, Rise for Baby and Family, NH (Oct 2025-Present); Lead Extension Teacher, University of New Hampshire (2021-Sep 2025); Extension Teacher, University of New Hampshire (2016-2021); Extension Program Associate, University of New Hampshire (1993-2016)
Cheshire County District 16 (Floterial)
Democrat
Representative, NH House of Representatives (2020 - present); retired, public school teacher, arts administrator, chef, musician
Republican
