Barbara Comtois, Republican (incumbent)

Residence: Center Barnstead

Experience: NH House of Representatives (2016-present); member, Governor's Commission on the Humane Treatment of Animals; member, UNH Belknap County Advisory Council; member, NH Farm Bureau and Belknap County Farm Bureau

Position on issues

Broad-based sales tax: Comtois signed the Coalition of New Hampshire Taxpayers 2016 pledge, which states, "I, the above signatory, pledge that if I am elected to any statewide office, I will oppose all efforts to impose a sales, income, or other broad-based tax on the taxpayers of the State of New Hampshire."

Broad-based income tax: Comtois signed the Coalition of New Hampshire Taxpayers 2016 pledge, which states, "I, the above signatory, pledge that if I am elected to any statewide office, I will oppose all efforts to impose a sales, income, or other broad-based tax on the taxpayers of the State of New Hampshire."

Business tax decrease: On the Granite State Taxpayers survey, Comtois answered "Yes" to the question, "Will you support reducing business taxes and regulations to encourage economic development and business retention?"

Capital gains tax: Voted against HB 686, a bill that would extend the interest and dividends tax to capital gains and increase the exemptions and filing thresholds for the interest and dividends tax. HB 686 would have used the new capital gains tax revenue to increase per-pupil school funding and lower the state property tax rate.

Minimum wage increase: During the 2019-20 session, Rep. Comtois voted against HB 186 (to gradually raise the minimum wage to $12/hour), HB 731 (to gradually raise the minimum wage to $15/hour), and SB 10 (to gradually raise the minimum wage to $12/hour). In the 2023-2024 session, Comtois voted against raising the minimum wage to $15/hour (HB 57) and voted against gradually raising the minimum wage to $17/hour, with future inflation adjustments (HB 1322).

Encourage local zoning changes for housing development: In 2024 Rep. Comtois voted against HB 1291 (which would increase rights of property owners to build accessory dwelling units) and HB 1399 (which would make it easier to convert single family residence into two units).

Increase funding for child care providers: No response

Majority of public school funding through local property taxes: No response

"Education Freedom Account" program: In 2022, Comtois voted to keep the Education Freedom Account program (HB 1683). In 2023, Comtois voted for two bills that would expand eligibility for the Education Freedom Account program (HB 367 and HB 464). In 2024 Rep. Comtois voted in favor of several bills to expand eligibility for Education Freedom Accounts, including HB 1561, HB 1634, HB 1665, and HB 1677. Comtois also voted against HB 1512, which would limit the EFA program to a budget.

Marijuana legalization with home-growing, no sales: No response

Marijuana legalization with private sales: In 2024 Rep. Comtois voted against legalizing marijuana with licensed outlets and a 10% tax on monthly total gross revenue (HB 1633).

Marijuana legalization with state-run stores: Voted against a bill to legalize marijuana with the Liquor Commission regulating sales (HB 1598).

Repeal ban on abortion after 24 weeks: Comtois voted for HB 625, a 2021 bill to prohibit abortion after 24 weeks gestation, unless there is a medical emergency. The bill did not include exceptions for rape or incest. In 2023 Comtois voted to keep this ban in place (HB 271).

Guarantee right to abortion before 24 weeks: No response

Ban abortion during 2nd trimester: No response

Ban abortion during 1st trimester: In the 2020 legislative session, Comtois voted to consider HB 1475, a bill that would prohibit abortions after detection of a fetal heartbeat. In 2023 Comtois voted to consider a similar bill, HB 591.

Protection for interstate travel related to gender, abortion: No response

Stricter gun laws: Comtois has voted against many bills that would add stricter gun laws, including:HB 564 and HB 32 (banning firearms on school grounds)HB 1608 (banning large capacity magazines)HB 109 and HB 59 (expanding firearm background checks)HB 514, HB 1101, and HB 76 (establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases)HB 687 and HB 106 (establishing extreme risk protection orders, similar to a red flag law).HB 1711(reporting some mental health records to the federal background check system).

Require local immigration enforcement: No response

Climate change action: Voted against establishing a climate and health protection program with non-state funds, such as federal grants (SB 496).

Expand net metering opportunities: Voted against increasing the maximum electric generating capacity to participate in net energy metering, from one to five megawatts (HB 523).

Conditional, affidavit ballots for new voters: Voted to create a conditional "affidavit ballot" for voters registering on Election Day without ID (SB 418).