Candace Bouchard, Concord State Senate Candidate

Candace Bouchard

Age (as of Election Day)

67

Position Sought

State Senate SD15

Party Affiliation

Democratic

Family

Married 34 years to Joe Bouchard and we have one son, Jed.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Spouse is a State employee

Education

NHTI

Occupation

Office support

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

State Legislator (1998-2014)
Currently serving 6th term on Concord City Council

Campaign website

Candace4NH.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I’m running for State Senate because now, more than ever, we need experienced leaders with a proven track record of accomplishment. While on both the Concord City Council and in the NH House of Representatives, I have fought to support public schools, strengthen working families, create jobs and a more family friendly economy, protect our natural resources, and support women’s health care rights, to name just a few of my priorities. I am proud of my reputation as a champion for those who sometimes slip through the cracks, for those who need a hand-up and for those who live uncomfortably close to the edge. What we’ve learned during the Covid-19 crisis is that the edge is closer than many of us would like to admit. In the State Senate, I’ll focus on providing those in need with a safety net, while simultaneously working to rebuild a vibrant economy.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Obviously the ongoing pandemic is an unprecedented crisis that is impacting every aspect of people’s lives right now. Not only are folks having to worry about the health of themselves and their loved ones, but they’re having to struggle to make ends meet in a significant economic downturn. To make matters worse, our federal and state governments are offering confusing, uncoordinated responses that downshift the crucial decision-making to local governments, as we’re seeing now with the debate over whether or not to reopen New Hampshire schools in the fall. What we need to focus on is crafting a comprehensive statewide government response to the coronavirus pandemic, with a state budget that supports the social services that are desperately needed by Granite Staters now more than ever. I’ve always helped those in our communities who are often left behind, and that’s what I intend to continue to do as District 15’s State Senator.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Both of my opponents offer unique perspectives and are clearly committed to serving the people of this District. However, I am the only candidate in this race with the most relevant experience and with a proven track record of upholding progressive values. I’ve represented Concord in both the New Hampshire House of Representatives and on the Concord City Council, and I’ve volunteered with local advocacy organizations for years. I know how to address the issues of this district better than anyone, because I’ve already been doing it. I know how to navigate the New Hampshire legislature; I know how to negotiate a budget, which will be so crucial next year; I know how to prioritize different problems and solve them effectively and efficiently. I also solve problems keeping my progressive values at front of mind. With everything going on right now, we need to be thinking about how we can do the most good for the greatest number of people, and that’s what I’ve been doing throughout my career as a public servant - I don’t intend to change that now.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I’m not interested in playing politics in the New Hampshire Senate, I’m interested in putting my head down and getting to work on the many issues that need to be addressed in our district. I’m committed to expanding health care to all Granite Staters, to raising the minimum wage and supporting working families, to building a state budget that will protect our social services, to creating a green economy and reducing New Hampshire’s carbon footprint. I’m also committed to protecting and supporting communities of color here in New Hampshire, protecting every Granite Stater’s right to vote, and protecting a woman’s right to choose - for years in the State House, I’ve fought alongside advocates against efforts to erode women’s health care rights and defund women’s health care facilities across New Hampshire.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I’ve received recognition from several advocacy groups in New Hampshire for my work as both a volunteer and a State Representative. I was named the 2003 Legislator of the Year by Pineconia Grange #322, and won the 2006 Tufts Distinguished Citizen Award from the NH Recreation and Park Association, the 2009 Appreciation Award from the Associated General Contractors of NH, the 2009 Honor Road Award from NH Good Roads, the 2009 Legislator of the Year by the NH Association of Counties, and the 2010 Legislator of the Year by the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of NH. I was also named the 2012 Champion for Choice by NARAL NH and the 2014 Champion For Women’s Health by Planned Parenthood NH. When I served in the NH House of Representatives, I was the Chair of the House Public Works and Highway Committee (two terms) and the House Transportation Committee (one term), and I served as the Co-Chair of the House Women’s Health and Reproduction Rights Caucus. Additionally, I believe the fact that I was reelected to serve eight terms as a State Representative and six as a Concord City Councilor is a testament to my ability as an elected official, and proves that I have the experience and viability to serve as District 15’s State Senator.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

Stay true to yourself and stand up for your values.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

For more information on me and my campaign, and to stay up-to-date on what’s going on, folks can connect with me on Facebook at Candace Bouchard for State Senate and on Twitter at @Candace4NH.