McConkey, Marsh have opposing visions for education, marijuana legalization, and housing in NH Senate District 3 race

New Hampshire state senators play a role in shaping the state’s laws and policies while representing the interests of their constituents. The state has 24 senators, each of whom serve two-year terms without term limits. They draft bills, vote on laws, and serve on various committees, focusing on areas like education, health, and finance. They review legislation, hold public hearings, and make policy recommendations. In addition, they help create the state budget, oversee the implementation of laws, and assist constituents with state service issues. New Hampshire senators earn just $100 per year, in keeping with the state’s tradition of citizen legislators, many of whom maintain other full-time jobs. To qualify for the Senate, candidates must be at least 30 years old, registered voters, and residents of New Hampshire for at least seven years, as well as residents of the district they seek to represent.

How a bill becomes law
In New Hampshire, the process of turning a bill into law involves several steps. First, a state legislator from either the House of Representatives or the Senate introduces a bill. The bill is then assigned to a committee for review, where public hearings may be held, and changes might be suggested. Once the committee finishes its work, the bill goes to the full House or Senate for debate and a vote. If both chambers approve the bill in identical form, it moves to the governor’s desk. The governor can either sign the bill into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. If vetoed, the legislature can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers. Once approved by the governor or passed through a veto override, the bill officially becomes law.

District 3 Seat
Democrat Wiliam Marsh is facing off against Republican Mark McConkey for a district three Senate seat, which represents all of Carroll County as well as small portions of Coos, Grafton and Strafford counties The seat is open as Republican Jeb Bradley decided not to run for reelection. Bradley had been Senate president since 2022 and had been a senator since 2009.

Republican Mark McConkey

Website: mcconkeyfornewhampshire.com/

Mark McConkey, who is currently a member of the House, owns McConkey Construction, which he runs with his two sons. He has also served on the Lakes Region Planning Commission executive board and has been chair of the Ossipee Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Education and School Choice
McConkey supports New Hampshire’s current system of public school funding, where about two-thirds of total funding comes from local property taxes. The school funding model has been deemed unconstitutional by the courts.

Marijuana Legalization
He’s against recreational marijuana legalization. He said on Citizens Count that he supports medical marijuana and the decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana for personal consumption.

 “I share in some of the concerns from the law enforcement community about public health and safety relative to legalization, and would like to learn more about the impacts legalization has had on other states,” he said.

Reproductive Rights
McConkey voted to prohibit abortions beyond 21 weeks and five days gestation in 2016.  He said on Citizens Count that he supports the current law, which puts certain limits on abortions after six months. “I do not feel like additional legislation is needed at this time,” he said.

Economy and Housing Crisis
McConkey thinks the government should do more to increase workforce housing. 

Democrat William Marsh

Website: marsh4senate.com/

Marsh settled in New Hampshire after graduating from Dartmouth College. He practiced ophthalmology in the Wolfeboro area for about 30 years. He was the town moderator in Brookfield for 12 years. He was also a state representative in the House from 2016 to 2022.

Marsh left the Republican Party in 2021 and became a Democrat.

“Like many traditional New Hampshire Republicans, I thought of myself as fiscally disciplined but socially compassionate. I treat the people’s money as frugally as I treat my own,” Marsh said on his website.

Education and School Choice
He believes the use of tax dollars on private religious schools is a violation of NH Constitution, which states: “But no person shall ever be compelled to pay towards the support of the schools of any sect or denomination.” 

Marijuana Legalization
Marsh supports recreational cannabis legalization, provided the associated public health concerns are addressed.

Reproductive Rights
Marsh introduced bill HB1822 during his first term as a House representative, which made hormonal contraceptives available behind the counter by standing order in NH. He said on Citizens Count: “A woman’s decisions about her body are hers alone. In some cases, continuing an unwanted pregnancy may pose significant risks to her physical or mental health. Laws that limit access to abortion have already reduced OB/GYN care in rural New Hampshire. Doctors don’t want to practice in fear and are going elsewhere. Southern Carroll County has become a maternity desert now that Frisbie Memorial Hospital and Concord Hospital—Laconia (Lakes Region) don’t provide labor and delivery services.”

Economy and Housing Crisis
He believes the best way to control the housing shortage is to control short-term rentals and zoning at the local level.

Are you ready to vote? Make sure to check your voter registration status, see who’s on your ballot, and make a voting plan here.