Bordes remains in Statehouse, joined by newcomers Hayward, Hoffman, Riley

LACONIA — Laconia voters supported sole Republican incumbent Rep. Mike Bordes, also the city’s mayor, for the Statehouse again, amidst a slate of Democratic counterparts in newly elected Marcia Hayward, Eric Hoffman and Denise Riley, on Tuesday. The two-year term begins Dec. 2.

More than 7,000 voters hit the polls Tuesday — a total of 69% of registered voters. Minus an incident at Ward 5 where a Turning Point PAC staffer was assaulted by 70-year-old Stephen Redic, of Laconia, the day was jubilant, with many feeling optimistic heading in to vote.

Hoffman, a Democrat and Ward 3 councilor, is headed to the Statehouse next month.

“I give the voters a lot of credit for looking past the negative advertisements and mistruths that were put out about me and my fellow candidates, to make a choice on some candidates with some forward thinking ideas and common sense,” he said Wednesday via phone. “Despite the ‘Blue Wave’ that’s kind of sweeping the country, it was a close race. I didn’t have a feeling one way or the other on which way it was going to go. It was a pleasant surprise.”

Granite Staters wanted a change, he said, particularly around the housing crisis.

“I see this election as less of a mandate for Democratic policies, and more of a rejection of Republican policies,” he said. "Now, it’s on us to get the job done for the residents of New Hampshire to make their lives better, and prove we’re up to the task.”

After the August death of Rep. Charlie St. Clair, Hoffman rose to the occasion to take his place on the ballot. He said it was one small thing he could do to continue the work of St. Clair, who served from 2017 to 2020, then from 2022 until his death.

Hoffman’s vote tallies are: Ward 1 — 747; Ward 3 — 636; Ward 4 — 417; Ward 5 — 372; and Ward 6 — 565.

Hayward, who could not be reached for comment on Wednesday, is a Democrat and former educator who supports efforts to rectify the public education funding crisis. Housing affordability and the ever-increasing costs of property taxes were also on her radar.

“I believe the Democratic Party has the right priorities in New Hampshire, which is why I am confident that voters will support us on Nov. 3,” Hayward said in a previous interview.

She earned 794 votes in Ward 1; 687 in Ward 3; 446 in Ward 4; 402 in Ward 5; and 621 in Ward 6.

Newcomer Riley will join Hayward and Hoffman. Riley, also a Democrat, spent three decades as a public defense investigator.

She could not be reached for comment by deadline, but in a previous interview expressed concerns rising costs were “unsustainable,” and ruining the quality of life for Granite Staters.

“I decided to run largely to address the housing affordability issue, and in speaking with the people of Laconia, there were no surprises, only validation of my concerns,” she said.

Her election results are: 771 votes in Ward 1; 639 in Ward; 435 in Ward 4; 374 in Ward 5; and 575 in Ward 6.

Bordes will soon assume office for his third term. He thanked supporters early Wednesday on Facebook.

“I am truly humbled and honored by the continued support of Laconia residents. Thank you for making me the top vote-getter and for placing your trust in me. It is a privilege to serve as your state representative once again, and I don't take that responsibility lightly,” he wrote.

During a phone interview, he said he was humbled to win.

“I’m really glad. I’m really proud that Laconia put me in again,” Bordes said. “I will work with Democrats when I can; when we disagree, we disagree.”

As the incumbent, Bordes ran a lowkey, respectful and transparent campaign, updating voters on social media regularly. He was disappointed to see the election cycle was anything but positive, though.

“We must never lose sight of the fact that we are neighbors, friends, and members of the same community. Disagreement should never turn into hatred, threats, or personal attacks. We need to bring civility, respect, and common sense back into local politics,” he wrote on Facebook. “Elections come and go. Political differences will always exist. But Laconia is our home, and we all have a responsibility to make it better.”

He pointed to Chris Sununu on Wednesday, who never “ran dirty campaigns,” and referenced wanting to get back to respectful politics focused on voters.

“The way I campaign, and my team, we don’t negatively go against the opposing party. We focus on issues, we focus on the residents of Laconia,” he said in an interview. “Instead of going for attack tactics, we focus on issues and speak to constituents head on.”

Despite the "Blue Wave" — “I don’t think it was a Blue Wave, I think it was a Blue Tsunami,” he said — he thinks the Republican Party is poised for a comeback, given the number of undeclared voters in NH.

“I think we’ve put together a way for Republicans to move forward and win at the ballot box,” he said. “I think the future of the Republican Party, at this point in time, we really need to adjust. It doesn't really help with [President Donald] Trump’s approval rating in NH.”

Prior to the election, Bordes was sure this would be his last term. Now, he’s not so sure.

Bordes earned 907 votes in Ward 1; 444 in Ward 3; 415 in Ward 4; 417 in Ward 5; and 821 votes in Ward 6.

While not elected this year, Republican Tim Minor plans to run again in 2028.

“A big thank you to those who came out to exercise their vote and go to bat for me. I loved seeing everyone. I got to talk to a lot of good people. I hope to have better luck next time,” he said. “I believe I’ll run again in 2028. I’m going to get my name out there a little further.”

Minor ran on supporting property taxes and education concerns, often seen around town with boots on the ground, lending a hand. While new to the process, he was glad he pushed his boundaries.

“It was way outside my comfort zone, but I had fun doing it,” he said.

Minor's vote tallies are 763 from Ward 1; 395 in Ward 3; 391 in Ward 4; 385 in Ward 5; and 707 in Ward 6.

Democrat Lois Kessin, a community advocate, and Republican candidate Paul Rossi, a retired math teacher, were not reached by deadline.

Kessin earned 727 votes in Ward 1; 609 in Ward 3; 416 in Ward 4; 365 in Ward 5; and 546 in Ward 6.

Rossi’s results are 749 votes in Ward 1; 376 in Ward 3; 367 in Ward 4; 367 in Ward 5; and 707 in Ward 6.

Republican Cody Pfaff, a barber and small business owner who believed he could bring a younger voice to Concord, declined to comment.

Pfaff had 782 votes in Ward 1; 407 in Ward 3; 370 in Ward 4; 371 in Ward 5; and 735 in Ward 6.

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Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.