Republicans retain Belmont as Kevin Nugent elected new state rep

BELMONT — One of the few Lakes Region districts to stay red, voters in Belknap 4 supported Republican candidate Kevin Nugent Jr. for their new representative to Concord.

Nugent — who spent his career in public safety, largely as a dispatcher — received 1,702 votes compared with Democratic opponent Liz Charlwood, who received 1,463. Neither could not be reached by deadline on Wednesday.

After his win in the Primary Election on Sept. 8, Nugent posted on Facebook about the election process.

“This campaign has been about our community, our families, and making sure the people of Belmont have a voice in Concord,” he wrote.

Nugent knows he brings a level of calm to the table, given his career training for crises.

“I have that ability to communicate with people, despite what your thoughts or feelings are, even our differing opinions," he said in a previous interview. "I've worked with many people over the years that we didn't quite see eye to eye with everything, but we're always able to work together and come to a compromise, you know, find that middle ground.”

Despite her loss, Charlwood issued a note on Facebook congratulating Nugent on his win.

“Congratulations to Kevin Nugent, our new state representative. I wish him all the best as he heads to Concord to represent and stand up for our town,” she wrote. “While the outcome isn’t what I had hoped for, I’m optimistic there are brighter days ahead for Belmont. Our community deserves thoughtful, responsive representation, and I wish our town the very best moving forward.”

She was grateful to the more than 1,400 residents who supported her.

“A huge thank you to everyone who supported my campaign, encouraged me, and took the time to share your thoughts, concerns and wisdom with me,” Charlwood wrote. “Meeting so many of you while knocking on doors was truly a pleasure, and an experience I’m particularly thankful for.”