Tony Caplan
Tony Caplan (D) of New Hampshire is an incumbent New Hampshire State Representative (Merrimack 8) running for the House of Representatives in Merrimack 8 in the November 3, 2026 general election, serving on the "Science, Technology and Energy" Committee.
Campaign site
“I would be for a limited, means-tested program, only for students in public schools already, with specific challenges in the public school system.”
(Citizens Count Issue Survey) “We don't need to. We can raise money other ways. But the main thing we need to do is stop cutting taxes for the wealthiest and most powerful and making it up by cutting services and programs for the neediest. That ideology is indefensible and has put us in a budgetary hole.”
(Citizens Count Issue Survey) “We've lowered business taxes for the largest corporations in the country in a race to the bottom to be attractive to businesses but it hasn't helped. We need to stop cutting taxes.”
(Citizens Count Issue Survey)Eileen Kelly
Eileen Kelly (D) of New Hampshire is an incumbent New Hampshire State Representative (Merrimack 8) running for the House of Representatives in Merrimack 8 in the November 3, 2026 general election, serving on the Finance Committee.
Campaign site
“New Hampshire students have a right to a good quality public education. Taxpayer money should go to public schools and not to private and parochial schools. The newly enacted voucher program is draining our Education Trust Fund and will raise our property taxes even more.”
(Citizens Count Issue Survey) “Decisions about reproductive healthcare should be made by a woman and her doctor. Government should not interfere with access to safe, legal abortion. I support codifying NH's laws to protect the right to abortion services.”
(Citizens Count Issue Survey) “The federal income tax collects money from NH citizens. The State of NH should not leave 'money on the table' for federal programs we qualify for and do not collect. We are not bringing back to NH what we pay to federal taxation.”
(Citizens Count Issue Survey)Stephanie Payeur
Stephanie Payeur (D) of New Hampshire is an incumbent New Hampshire State Representative (Merrimack 8) running for the House of Representatives in Merrimack 8 in the November 3, 2026 general election, serving on the Legislative Administration Committee.
Campaign site
“SMRs are not even a thing - they are a concept. We need to focus on renewable energy- which is proven successful all over the world.”
(Citizens Count Issue Survey) “This tax was put into place in 1923 by Republicans. It was dismantled in 2024 by Republicans. It served the state well for generating revenue we need for public services. It generated $184 Million in its last year. The primary beneficiaries of this cut were corporations and the wealthiest among us. To even qualify for this tax- you need a significant principal balance in the bank/investment account.”
(Citizens Count Issue Survey) “73% comes from property taxes (includes SWEPT). 27% is funded by the state- the lowest percentage in the US.”
(Citizens Count Issue Survey)Stephen Craig Pierce
Stephen Craig Pierce is a Republican candidate for the New Hampshire House of Representatives in Merrimack 8 in the November 3, 2026 general election.
· New Hampshire Secretary of State (2026 General Election Candidate List)
“Measured, incremental reductions. Specific to additional business tax money flowing into the state treasury due to business growth. The reduction further enhances New Hampshire competitive edge at attracting new businesses to our state and confirms New Hampshire supports a predictable tax profile for business enterprise.”
(Citizens Count Issue Survey) “I stand against local zoning/building/development be implemented or mandated beyond the town level. The town/city is best prepared to determine when to change/adjust/modify zoning and building guidelines. We must be a local control state where each town/city makes the changes as needed. Local knowledge supersedes 'one size fits all' zoning/building changes.”
(Citizens Count Issue Survey) “New metering is in a growth mode and is a new arena for consumers. I do not want larger entities to take undo advantage (game the system) as net metering becomes more common place. I do not want consumers to pay a price who are not in a position to 'net meter' power back to the electrical grid. I remain optimistic of net metering but careful that the consumer will benefit.”
(Citizens Count Issue Survey)