Peter R. Varney, Republican (incumbent)

Residence: Alton

Experience: NH House of Representatives (2014-present); owner/engineer, Applied Technical Services; fire chief, New Durham; code enforcement/building inspector, New Durham; owner of two small businesses

Education: master of science, electrical engineering, NH Certified Career Level FF

Position on issues

Broad-based sales tax: Against

Broad-based income tax: Against

Business tax decrease: Against

Capital gains tax: Against

Minimum wage increase: Against

Encourage local zoning changes for housing development: No response

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, Varney voted to keep the Education Freedom Account program (HB 1683). In 2023, Varney also voted for two bills that would expand eligibility for the Education Freedom Account program (HB 367 and HB 464). In 2024 Rep. Varney voted in favor of several bills to expand eligibility for Education Freedom Accounts, including HB 1561, HB 1634, HB 1665, and HB 1677. Varney 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 2023 Rep. Varney voted against legalizing private marijuana sales with a 12.5% excise tax (HB 639). In 2024 Varney voted against legalizing marijuana with licensed outlets and a 10% tax on monthly total gross revenue (HB 1633).

Marijuana legalization with state-run stores: No response

Repeal ban on abortion after 24 weeks: On the 2020 Citizens Count issue survey, Varney indicated he was "for" a ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation, with exceptions for rape/incest and health complications. Varney also 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 Varney voted to keep this ban in place (HB 271). (Citizens Count, 2020)

Guarantee right to abortion before 24 weeks: No response

Ban abortion during 2nd trimester: When asked about a 20-week abortion ban on the Citizens Count issue survey, Varney indicated, "I support a ban on abortion after 20 weeks gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications." (Citizens Count, 2018)

Ban abortion during 1st trimester: Voted to consider HB 591, a bill that would prohibit a doctor from performing an abortion after detecting a fetal heartbeat.

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

Stricter gun laws: Against

Require local immigration enforcement: When asked a similar question on the 2018 Citizens Count survey, Varney indicated, "I support increased state enforcement of federal immigration laws." (Citizens Count, 2018)

Climate change action: No response

Expand net metering opportunities: When asked a similar question on the 2020 Citizens Count survey Varney wrote, "Yes, without subsidizing by rate payers." (Citizens Count, 2020)

Conditional, affidavit ballots for new voters: Voted for an early version of SB 418, which would create a conditional "affidavit ballot" for voters without ID.