Meet the Candidates for Cheshire County Democrats 2026
New Hampshire Senator – State District 10
Donovan Fenton
Meet the Candidate
Rep. Donovan Fenton has served three terms in the New Hampshire State House of Representatives starting in 2016, as a member of the Environment and Agriculture and Transportation Committees. He currently serves on the board of trustees for the Cedarcrest Center for Children with Disabilities and the board of the Community Kitchen in Keene, is Vice President of Fenton Family Dealerships, and was appointed to the New Hampshire Canadian Trade Council by the New Hampshire Secretary of State. Rep. Fenton has a Master’s Degree from George Washington University in Political Management.”
Choose Cheshire County District – State House of Representatives
District 1 | District 2| District 3 | District 4 | District 5 | District 6 | District 7 | District 8 | District 9 | District 10 |
District 11 | District 12 | District 13 | District 14 | District 15 | District 16 | District 17 | District 18
Phil Jones
District 3: Keene Ward 5
Meet the Candidate
My wife June and I made an excellent choice by moving to Keene to raise our three daughters 30 years ago. It has been my privilege to participate in many community activities including coaching a number of youth sports, teaching Sunday school, and volunteering for leadership positions on various nonprofit organizations. This has included being elected to the city council for seven straight, four year terms. A great big thank you to all the citizens of Keene – your heart-warming support has truly beenoverwhelming.
As a city councilor I have championed many quality-of-life initiatives including initiating a major rezoning plan, pushing through the 2001 Telecommunications Tower Ordinance, instituting our Climate Action Plan, and originating our Declaration of Inclusion which no other New Hampshire city has yet instituted. Presently I am working with state officials on a “Protect Our Police Bill” which would outlaw the ownership, sales, and use of any bullet that can penetrate flak jackets and protective armor.
I am now looking forward to bringing my positive attitude and core values to the state level as I am running for New Hampshire District 3 State Representative on behalf of the residents of Ward 5. As your representative I pledge to continue my commitment to integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
Jodi Newell
District 4: Keene Ward 4
Meet the Candidate
Jodi Newell is a professional homeless advocate, overdose crisis organizer, and lifelong volunteer. Most importantly, she is the mother of 2 amazing humans.
Jodi has herself struggled through & overcome extremely difficult & demoralizing experiences beyond her control, most notably the loss of her fiancé & children’s father to opiate overdose. She understands that the system is not well suited to provide for people in their darkest moments. In fact, it often hinders progress. Jodi believes the only way to effectively address the issues plaguing the most vulnerable among us is to give them a seat at the table. If elected, she will bring those voices to Concord.
Jodi is running as a progressive Democrat to represent all her neighbors, even & especially those who find themselves in difficult situations.
Lucy Weber
District 5: Surry & Walpole
Meet the Candidate
Lucy Weber is running for her 9th term in the House in District 5, Surry and Walpole. She has served on the Judiciary Committee, the Children and Family Law Committee, and has chaired the House Committees on Legislative Administration; Executive Departments and Administration; and Health Human Services and Elderly Affairs. She has served as House Speaker Pro Tem.
Legislative achievements over the years include significant roles in the group efforts leading to the passage of civil unions and then marriage equality; all aspects of health care including preservation or restoration of reproductive rights, incremental Medicaid expansions; and child welfare legislation. Efforts to allow or broaden the ability of both the legislature and local boards to meet remotely have so far been blocked by Republicans, but that effort will continue. Locally, Walpole has replaced an aging copper wire phone system with fiber optic broadband throughout the town using recent public/private partnership legislation.
Paul Berch
District 6 (2 seats): Chesterfield, Hinsdale, & Westmoreland
“We need to move New Hampshire forward to meet the challenges we face,” said Berch. “Every Granite Stater needs the opportunity for a good education, a decent job, the means to raise a family and then the ability to retire in dignity—all in an environment that we are proud to preserve. To move New Hampshire forward, we need to restore voting rights and guarantee health care for all—especially reproductive health care, which is under attack. We need to ensure our taxes are fair, that we are creating jobs, that we protect local control, preserving a healthy environment for us all.”
Berch was the moving force behind the multi-year successful effort to rehabilitate, upgrade and expand Maplewood Nursing Home and a leader in the successful effort to bring broadband to our communities.
“I worked for 34 years representing abused and neglected children and marginalized adults in Court, because their voices must be heard. I serve as Vice-Chair of the 4-state Connecticut River Valley Flood Control Commission, because without a healthy environment we cannot thrive. I serve on the Board of HCS/VNA because programs such as Hospice, Visiting Nurses, Meals on Wheels and Healthy Starts provide care in all stages of life. I serve as my School District Moderator because I believe in a good education for our schoolkids.”
Additionally, Berch has served on the House Judiciary Committee, the Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Rules, the Judicial Council, co-chaired the VT ACLU Legal Program, is Past President of the Windham County Bar Association and the Vt Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and has served as a Guardian ad Litem as well as Acting Judge. Berch also has chaired the County Delegation Executive Committee.
“I am a proud Granite State parent and grandparent” Berch said, “and I believe that together we can preserve what’s best in this State for generations to come.”
Cathy Harvey
District 6 (2 seats): Chesterfield, Hinsdale, & Westmoreland
My husband and I moved to Spofford, NH more than 35 years ago to raise our family of four boys. This community provides the outdoor opportunities, the education, and the commitment to community service that our family cherishes. We are now the proud grandparents of eight grandchildren.
Before retirement, I taught music for 43 years in public schools, and public education through schools and libraries remains one of my highest priorities. I am the vice-chair of the New Hampshire Library Trustees Association and a past member of the Chesterfield School Board.
I have served as a representative for Cheshire 6 (Chesterfield, Hinsdale, Westmoreland) for four terms and currently serve as the Deputy Ranking Member on the Fish and Game and Marine Resources.
I am an active member of my community, having served as past chair of the Chesterfield Library Board of Trustees for 6 years and a Budget Committee member for five.
Having founded the Chesterfield Public School Foundation, I remain a member of its Board of Directors. The Foundation provides funding not available in the school budget for enrichment, outdoor education, and STEM activities for all Chesterfield school students.
I volunteer as a CASA GAL (Court Appointed Special Advocate Guardian ad Litem). As a CASA GAL, I am the voice of the children in the court system when it becomes necessary for the Division for Children, Youth and Families to become involved with a family in crisis.
In addition to legislative and community service work, I am an avid quilter and past member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, a member of Lions International, and the organist/choir director for the UCC Church in Peterborough, NH.
Terri O’Rorke
District 7 : Keene Ward 2
Meet the Candidate
- Former deputy town clerk, Richmond
- Trustee of Trust Funds, Richmond, 2 terms
- Former EMT in Richmond and Winchester
- Richmond Town Newsletter, Board of Directors
- America Reads, Volunteer
- Project Home, Volunteer
- Author
- Blogger
- NEA New Hampshire recommended candidacy for 2024
Be Sure To Preserve Democracy and Vote!
Christine Parshall
District 8: Harrisville, Marlborough, Nelson, Roxbury, & Sullivan
Meet the Candidate
Christine is an experienced educator and community program leader with a strong background in curriculum development, health and wellness education, and family support services. As a state house representative, she will focus on local community issues.
James Grubber
District 9: Alstead, Gilsum, Marlow, & Stoddard
Jim’s Experience
- 10 years leadership in town and city management
- 12 years leading community-based organizations
- 20 years teaching management, environmental studies, and public policy at Antioch university
- Two years serving as your Representative in the NH House, serving on the Environment and Agriculture Committee
- Learning from his wife, children, and neighbors from 48 years in Alstead and the Monadnock Region.
He says that through listening and working collaboratively with those who hold diverse perspectives, we can find common sense solutions to the challenges that face New Hampshire today.
Jim’s priorities include:.
- Supporting local control and fair funding for our local governments, public schools, and universities
- Lowering property taxes by stopping the shift of State costs onto local government
- Allowing all citizens to vote without more political barriers.
- Lowering energy costs and addressing climate change through solar and renewable energy
Steve Russell
District 10 (2 Seats): Swanzey, Richmond
Meet the Candidate
Mr. Russell has over 20 years of fleet management experience and 10 years of experience in alternative fuels and technologies managing the Department of Energy Clean Cities Coalition. His expertise includes fleet, electric vehicles (EVs), and other clean transportation technologies management; facility management; and purchasing. He also served for 12 years as Fleet Superintendent for the City of Keene. He is now retired from his professional career, and is a member of the Swanzey Energy Commission and Chair of the Mount Caesar Union Library Trustees.
He also spent several years on the Swanzey Planning Board and started the Bike Ped committee to improve the bike trails in Swanzey. Mr. Russell is a skilled organizer, promoter, and project manager.
Alan Gross
District 10 (2 Seats): Swanzey, Richmond
Meet the Candidate
I am excited to be running to serve you as your next state representative in Cheshire County District 10. I am a 33 year resident of the town of Swanzey, and proud to be a father to two MRHS graduates. What I bring to Swanzey and Richmond is a strong desire to improve the quality of life and education for our children; to support community engagement in our local service organizations; and a deep commitment to protecting our region’s natural and recreational resources such as our lakes, ponds, rivers, forests, working farms. historic landmarks, and open spaces.
Career
- 35 years public school teacher, 33 with the Keene School District
- Assistant Coach Keene High School Nordic team
- Coach for Swanzey Recreation League for 9 years
- Served 5 years on the Monadnock Regional School Board
- Vice President Cheshire County Retired Educators
Community Service
- Volunteer at the St. Bernard Parish Food Pantry
- Long-time member of the Cheshire County Historical Society
- Environment and Natural Resource Conservation; Long-time member of the Swanzey Rail Trails Committee
- Outdoorsman: hiker, cyclist, kayaker, cross country skier
- Member of Friends of Pisgah; Member Monadnock Sunapee Trail Crew; Long-time member of the Appalachian Trail Club; Long-time Member of the Society for the Protection of NH Forests; Life member Sierra Club
My priorities for serving you in the legislature this coming year are Education and the
Environment. I would like to see:
- more money put into the tobacco prevention fund from the tobacco settlement.
- a ban on flavored tobacco.
- incentives to recruit new hampshire college graduates to stay in this state, in
- particular as teachers, medical and mental health workers.
- a raise the minimum wage.
- that reproductive decisions be left to a woman and her doctor.
- an increase in sources of renewable.
- an increase in incentives for energy efficiency improvements for homeowners.
- an increase in funding for drug rehabilitation.
- more accountability for charter schools receiving public funds.
Lindseigh Picard
District 11: Winchester
Meet the Candidate
Has served as the Board Chair for the town of Winchester, championing community, demonstrating leadership that prioritizes active listening and fosters growth. This role honed my abilities to educate and support, ensuring individuals thrive post-crisis, a testament to the power of transferable skills in driving professional success. [Rep CH 11]
Kristan Tilton
District 12: Fitzwilliam & Troy
Meet the Candidate
Born in Peterborough, NH, Kristan resided all around Cheshire County before settling in Troy. She and her long-time partner, Ryan Chamberlain, have a 12 year old daughter and live in the home they built themselves with help from friends and family.
She has been:
- A Troy Library Trustee
- A Trustee of the Trust Funds
- on the Troy Broadband Committee, bringing internet access to residents
- A CPR instructor
- A volunteer for Rogers Rangers EMT Services
Kristan received a bachelor’s degree from Keene State College and a
Master’s degree from Northeastern University
Kristan is running to address critical issues including:
- Bringing state funds back to local communities to lower local property taxes
- Addressing the housing crisis
- Supporting public education and making childcare accessible and affordable for families.
She enjoys playing softball in the Greater Keene Women’s Softball League, crafting, and has a passion for travel and adventure.
Tom Ahlborn-Hsu
District 13: Dublin & Jaffrey
Meet the Candidate
- A strong voice for reason.
• An experienced, creative problem-solver who can find win-win solutions.
• A working man with broad skills and experience.
• A good listener who cares and will work for all of us.• Internationally renowned science educator and author of 10 middle and high school science programs.
• Founder and president of three education publishing and manufacturing companies.
• Teacher of carpentry and physics (high school) and experimental physics (MIT).
• Ph.D. in plasma physics (MIT, 1994)
• Chair of the Jaffrey Conservation Commission and advisor to the Jaffrey Planning Board.
• Singer/songwriter and host of the Park Theatre Open Mic in Jaffrey. - Provided live-streaming Open Mic for the Dub Hub in Dublin during COVID.
• Lives in Jaffrey with wife, Eleanor, in an old farmhouse which they are renovating. Their three children are now grown and pursuing their careers.
Gene Anderson
District 14: Rindge
Meet the Candidate
Born seventh in a family of 10 children, I was raised to be unselfish and to work hard. Collecting subscription payments and delivering papers every day between ages 9 and 16 taught me responsibility. I also learned thrift, as the money I earned was all I received.
Cooperating for the common family good, persevering through challenges & lessons in negotiating family disagreements guided me during my 3 consecutive terms in the NH House representing Lebanon.
My wife Judy & I moved to Rindge in 2009 to be closer to our adult daughters. Renovating Ed’s Auction Barn has been a labor of love. We have created a home and a 3-room bed & breakfast.
In the NH House I will be an advocate for education which I believe drives not only individual success but also the prosperity of our community, state & nation. Unless we invest adequately in primary, secondary and technical education, the middle class – the defining quality of our nation — will disappear. I will work tirelessly to find better ways to support education in NH.
My professional life prepared me to be effective. I served in the U.S. Army, started a business, and over a span of 45 years, managed large construction projects across 15 states and Japan. My reputation hung on an ability to plan, coordinate & complete projects with high quality and on schedule.
I stand ready to work for you and an affordable NH that supports:
* Strong Public Schools
* Property Tax Relief
* Increased Access to Housing
* Child Care with a Pro-family, Pro-work Approach
* Healthcare That is a Foundation of our Society, not an afterthought
We all want a Rindge & state where families can afford to stay, raise a family, & retire.
Samantha Jacobs
District 15 (2 seats) : Chesterfield, Hinsdale, Keene Ward 1, Keene Ward 3, Keene Ward 4, Keene Ward 5, Surry, Walpole, & Westmoreland
Meet the Candidate
I grew up in Fitzwilliam, in a community-oriented, working-class family. Both of my parents remarried, making me one of eight children. I am the first of my siblings to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work and counseling from Franklin Pierce University. About a decade ago I moved to Keene, where I have been working in procurement at a grocery wholesaler.
I am on the executive board of the Keene Democrats, and I volunteer monthly with them serving dinner at the Community Kitchen.
I look forward to bringing my passion for expanding and protecting reproductive justice, accessible and affordable housing, and environmental justice to Concord, where I can be a part of equitable change for our corner of New Hampshire.
Nicolas Germana
District 15 (2 seats) : Chesterfield, Hinsdale, Keene Ward 1, Keene Ward 3, Keene Ward 4, Keene Ward 5, Surry, Walpole, & Westmoreland
Meet the Candidate
Coming Soon!
Lucius Parshall
District 16: Alstead, Gilsum, Harrisville, Keene Ward 2, Marlborough, Marlow, Nelson, Roxbury, Stoddard, Sullivan
Meet the Candidate
Lucius Parshall was born in the Finger Lakes region of New York State and has lived in Cheshire County for three decades. He and his wife share their Marlborough home with their daughter and son and a cat.
Lucius has a Bachelors in Music from Ithaca College, and a MBA from Binghamton University. He’s worked as a chef, arts administrator, and as an elementary school music educator. He has also had the privilege to work several more colorful jobs from winemaking to circus work. As he says “you don’t learn much traveling first class”
Currently he serves the towns of Harrisville, Marlborough, Nelson, Roxbury, and Sullivan. Since assuming office in 2020 he has served on the House Science, Technology and Energy Committee.
As he is passionate about environmental protection, he has sponsored or co-sponsored several bills involving grid modernization and EV infrastructure. Along with several waste flow bills he also chaired the 2023 Study Committee on Extended Producer Responsibility and plans on filing EPR legislation in the next term.
Jennie Gomarlo
District 17: Fitzwilliam, Richmond, Swanzey, Troy, & Winchester
Meet the Candidate
Jennie has served as a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, representing Cheshire 12. As a Representative, she served on the House Ways and Means Committee. Gomarlo aims to improve local services and address community needs. She focuses on making changes for a better New Hampshire
Allen Davis
Cheshire District 18 (2 seats): Dublin, Jaffrey, & Rindge
Meet the Candidate
Allen states that as your State Representative, he will focus on reducing the Cost of Living and Making NH Affordable, commit to increasing state support for Public Education and be a strong supporter of building Housing You Can Afford. A Dublin resident, Davis is a skilled leader who creates long lasting solutions by bringing people together who disagree.
Rory Lovett Sherman
Cheshire District 18 (2 seats): Dublin, Jaffrey, & Rindge
Meet the Candidate
As a blue-collar worker and father of four young children, he is worried about the current and future affordability of small-town living, as expenses rise and costs are downshifted onto our towns and neighbors. He plans to work toward an equitable approach to state education funding, housing access/affordability and the associated utility costs, and an economy with wages that allow people to live and lay roots in the communities they work in.
